Introduction: Humor, History, and Heart in One Captivating Story
In the world of children’s historical fiction, few books are as engaging, educational, and emotionally compelling as Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko. Set on Alcatraz Island in 1935, this Newbery Honor-winning novel is more than just a clever title—it’s a deeply thoughtful exploration of family, friendship, and fitting in, wrapped in a quirky, humorous story that keeps middle-grade readers turning the pages.
At Teacher’s Pet Publications, we proudly offer a classroom-ready edition of Al Capone Does My Shirts complete with curriculum guides, comprehension activities, quizzes, and writing prompts tailored for grades 5–8. Whether you’re an English Language Arts teacher, a school librarian, or a homeschool educator, this book belongs in your teaching toolkit.
Let’s explore why Al Capone Does My Shirts deserves a spot in your classroom library—and how our educator-focused edition makes it easy and rewarding to teach.
1. A Historical Setting That Feels Real—and Fun
Set on Alcatraz Island in the 1930s, the story follows 12-year-old Moose Flanagan, whose father takes a job as a prison guard on the infamous island. That means Moose, his parents, and his sister Natalie now live alongside the families of other guards—and yes, some of America’s most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone.
Choldenko’s blend of fact and fiction creates a rich setting that:
-
Sparks curiosity about American history, the Great Depression, and Alcatraz
-
Opens up discussions about how real historical figures can be reimagined through fiction
-
Engages students who might not normally gravitate toward historical fiction
Our edition includes historical context pages, author background notes, and pre-reading activities to help students understand the setting and time period before diving into the story.
2. A Heartfelt Portrayal of Autism Before It Had a Name
One of the most powerful elements of Al Capone Does My Shirts is its depiction of Natalie, Moose’s older sister, who shows characteristics consistent with autism spectrum disorder. Although the story is set in an era before autism was widely understood or diagnosed, Choldenko handles Natalie’s condition with compassion, insight, and realism.
Through Moose’s eyes, students experience:
-
The emotional impact of caring for a sibling with special needs
-
The challenges families face when support systems are limited
-
The importance of acceptance, inclusion, and understanding
Our guided reading questions and discussion prompts help students explore themes like empathy, patience, and how society treats people with disabilities—making this an ideal novel for promoting social-emotional learning.
3. Relatable Themes for Middle School Readers
Middle schoolers often struggle with identity, family dynamics, fitting in, and balancing responsibility with personal desires. That’s exactly what Moose faces in the book:
-
He wants to play baseball and make friends, but he’s also tasked with helping care for Natalie
-
He’s trying to navigate a new environment while dealing with pressure from adults
-
He’s torn between doing what’s “right” and what’s expected of him
These are universal middle-grade experiences, and that’s why students instantly connect with Moose.
At Teacher’s Pet Publications, we include writing prompts, character analysis worksheets, and theme-tracking guides that encourage deeper reflection and help students relate the story to their own lives.
4. A Humorous, Accessible Writing Style That Hooks Reluctant Readers
Despite its serious themes, Al Capone Does My Shirts is also laugh-out-loud funny. Choldenko’s dialogue is snappy and authentic, and Moose’s voice is filled with humor, sarcasm, and youthful honesty.
That makes it a great choice for:
-
Reluctant readers who are easily bored
-
ESL students who need engaging but accessible text
-
Struggling readers who benefit from character-driven narratives
We’ve formatted our edition with a readable font, short paragraphs, and comprehension checks after each chapter—making it a breeze to implement in diverse classrooms.
5. Cross-Curricular Learning Opportunities
This isn’t just a novel for ELA teachers—it’s a gateway to rich, interdisciplinary learning.
Here’s how you can tie it into other subjects:
-
Social Studies: Explore the real history of Alcatraz, the Great Depression, and 1930s America
-
Civics: Discuss justice, criminal justice reform, and how society views people with disabilities
-
Science: Investigate neurological disorders and how they were treated historically versus today
Our teacher's guide includes bonus lesson plans and project-based learning ideas to help you build a cross-curricular unit around the book.
6. Why Teachers Trust Teacher’s Pet Publications
We know what teachers need—because we are teachers. Our version of Al Capone Does My Shirts is more than a simple reprint. It’s a turnkey teaching solution packed with value:
✅ Chapter-by-chapter quizzes and answer keys
✅ Vocabulary exercises and context clues
✅ Critical thinking questions and essay prompts
✅ Differentiated learning resources
✅ Digital and print options available
Whether you teach in a traditional classroom or a homeschool environment, our materials save you hours of prep and improve student engagement.
7. Ideal for Literature Circles and Book Clubs
Beyond the classroom, Al Capone Does My Shirts makes a wonderful choice for literature circles, afterschool reading programs, or family reading nights. The mix of humor, suspense, and heart makes it widely appealing—and our book club kits include everything you need to run a successful group session.
Each kit features:
-
Group discussion guides
-
Character charts
-
Reading schedule templates
-
Interactive extension activities
8. Bulk Discounts and Fast Shipping for Schools
We believe great literature should be accessible—and affordable. That’s why we offer:
? Bulk pricing for classroom sets
? Fast, trackable shipping options
? Live support for large orders and custom bundles
When you order from Teacher’s Pet Publications, you’re not just buying books—you’re investing in student success with tools that work.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic That Belongs on Your Shelf
Al Capone Does My Shirts is more than just a clever title. It’s a heartfelt, historically rich, and deeply human story that captivates middle school readers. Whether you're looking to spark empathy, teach historical context, or build literacy skills, this book delivers.
And with Teacher’s Pet Publications, you get everything you need to teach it effectively—from start to finish.