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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
A wonderful story that, while taking place in the past, is completely relevant to kids today. Peer pressure, the difficult dynamics of a family with a disabled child, moving away from what is familiar; the author has woven all these themes together and given the main character a clear and believable voice and set the story against a fascinating place and era. A perfect middle school read.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was borrowed this book by a family member that told me I might relate to the struggles of the main character. I was, naturally, intrigued and sped through the story. As someone with two autistic siblings, very similar in personality to Natalie, this book portrayed disability, particularly in someone you live with, in a way that made me feel less alone. So, in all this, I'm biased. If I see a character that makes me feel represented, that means I not only may, but naturally will look at the entire book through rose colored glasses.
I enjoyed the fast pacing -- good times don't last long but neither do the bad ones. The main character sprung from the pages with his colloquial style that feels almost wrong for a book in the 1930s. But I liked it! It truly is easy to forget that people from that time are not so far from people today. Giving as little spoilers as possible, the fast pace sparks many different emotions from the reader, the tone shifting from passive to anxiety-ridden to irritated within only a few of its short chapters. I found the ending to be a touch cliche, but I struggle to point to a children's book that doesn't have its predictability. (I ignore Bridge to Terabithia. I think we were all a great deal traumatized from that one...)
I also learned more than I thought I would from a kid's book! Although I'd heard the name, I was unfamiliar with Alcatraz Island for the most part. It prompted me to do some research on the place, and the names of the prisoners that were sprinkled in the book. Al Capone lacks a solid role, living only in the main character's dialogues, until the very end of the book. I initially wasn't impressed by this decision, but looking back now it feels the more respectful one on Choldenko's part, due to Al Capone being a very real individual with very real crimes.
Overall, I would recommend it to both children and anyone who's old enough to read kids books again.
(H/T C.S Lewis.) 4.75 stars :)
I enjoyed the fast pacing -- good times don't last long but neither do the bad ones. The main character sprung from the pages with his colloquial style that feels almost wrong for a book in the 1930s. But I liked it! It truly is easy to forget that people from that time are not so far from people today. Giving as little spoilers as possible, the fast pace sparks many different emotions from the reader, the tone shifting from passive to anxiety-ridden to irritated within only a few of its short chapters. I found the ending to be a touch cliche, but I struggle to point to a children's book that doesn't have its predictability. (I ignore Bridge to Terabithia. I think we were all a great deal traumatized from that one...)
I also learned more than I thought I would from a kid's book! Although I'd heard the name, I was unfamiliar with Alcatraz Island for the most part. It prompted me to do some research on the place, and the names of the prisoners that were sprinkled in the book. Al Capone lacks a solid role, living only in the main character's dialogues, until the very end of the book. I initially wasn't impressed by this decision, but looking back now it feels the more respectful one on Choldenko's part, due to Al Capone being a very real individual with very real crimes.
Overall, I would recommend it to both children and anyone who's old enough to read kids books again.
(H/T C.S Lewis.) 4.75 stars :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
I recently visited Alcatraz Island on my trip to San Francisco; while I was there, I was fascinated by the history behind the prison and the prisoners who resided there, especially Al Capone. When I found this book on Libby, I was honestly skeptical. I'm not a big YA fan so I thought this would quickly end up as a DNF. But oh my goodness, this book is so cute! While it's written from the POV of a 7th grader, it touches on adult themes such as autism, depression, and sexual assault. It remains light-hearted throughout and has a Q&A section at the end that touches on the historical facts. It definitely kept me entertained the entire time and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
This is a funny and poignant story set during the Depression. Lots of historial tidbits about Alcatraz and the 1930s, along with a view of how neurological and mental disorders were treated and handled back then. The relationship between Moose and sister Natalie is so real and so full of unconditional love, mostly. The kids deal with Natalie's autism better than the adults most of the time. It's just a really sweet story of understanding and acceptance.
Choldenko's expertise, as a sister of a person with autism, shows. I liked her fact v fiction end notes regarding Alcatraz, and her comparison of how autism would have been handled back then versus now.
A Google search will show you that many teachers have used this book in classrooms, which is a good thing.
Choldenko's expertise, as a sister of a person with autism, shows. I liked her fact v fiction end notes regarding Alcatraz, and her comparison of how autism would have been handled back then versus now.
A Google search will show you that many teachers have used this book in classrooms, which is a good thing.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was a nostalgia read because this was one of my favorite books growing up and it holds up well. A neat little historical fiction about a boy moving to Alcatraz because his dad got a job on the island to help his autistic sister get into a some special school. The tidbits about life on the island keep it a fun read but it’s a different more grim read as an adult with a new perspective on autism. It peeks behind the curtain to give some insight on how families handle it and the process of learning to accept it.
I first read this book when I was in jr high or high school, I can’t remember, but it has honestly lived rent free in my mind ever since. Rereading it as an adult is so interesting to see the generation trauma and how it impacts kids. This story was so good in showing the complications and intricacies in everyday families who handle struggles in their own way. And a great reminder that it really does take a village, having your group of people behind you makes all the difference in dealing with hurdles thrown at you!
A quick read, but enjoyable. I loved the hero's relationship with his autistic sister. It was realistic, yet touching.
Kids looking out for one another when it counts the most
A fun read about Moose and Natalie living on Alcatraz. Of course this being a complete work of fiction this young adult story talks about the bond of the older brother and sister who are different and and how a family copes with struggles.
I have read this more times than I have fingers and it always makes me laugh but some characters are a bit annoying.
I have read this more times than I have fingers and it always makes me laugh but some characters are a bit annoying.