Set in 1935, Al Capone Does My Shirts is a heartwarming and humorous historical fiction novel about family, responsibility, and growing up in unusual circumstances.
The story follows 12-year-old Moose Flanagan, who moves with his family to Alcatraz Island, where his father has taken a job as a prison guard. Life on the island is anything but normal—his neighbors are the families of other guards, and some of the most infamous criminals in history, including Al Capone, are locked up just a short distance away. As Moose navigates new friendships, strict rules, and the challenges of having a sister with autism (a condition not well understood at the time), he finds himself caught in unexpected trouble when his sister’s needs lead him to make a risky request to none other than Al Capone.
With humor, heart, and historical depth, Al Capone Does My Shirts offers young readers a compelling glimpse into life on Alcatraz while exploring themes of family, acceptance, and resilience.