By Gennifer Choldenko
This is a great historical fiction novel. Moving and finding new friends can be difficult, but think how they would multiply if you move to Alcatraz Island with an autistic sister. Moose is a young man in middle school that is very unhappy with his parents' decision to move to Alcatraz Island for his dad's new job. He just wants to return home to his home and friends, but he is forced to fit in and make new friends. The family has moved in an effort to get Moose's autistic sister, Natalie, into a special school. The first person he meets is Theresa a young personable girl. She fills him in on his initial tour of the island and introduces him to Pepper, the warden's daughter. Pepper is very attractive but Moose knows she is going to be trouble. After meeting with the warden, he is positive that she is evil. Moose unknowingly promises the warden that he will aid Pepper on her school projects. This becomes increasingly difficult since Pepper expects him to break the warden's rules and help with a money making scheme. Of course, they all get in trouble and Moose vows to never enable Pepper in the future.
The family's future on the island is tenuous since Moose got in trouble, his father could get fired and they would loose their island apartment. Moose finds out that this would not land them back at home but homeless. and he promises to toe the line and help out with Natalie. Natalie's first attempt at admission into the special school is thwarted because she is too old to be helped, or so the experts believe. With the help of a special tutor, Ms. Kelley, Natalie is prepared into a second attempt at admission. But again she is denied and Moose's mother is devastated. Moose comes up with a plan that could get him in a lot of trouble, but he feels that it is worth the effort. So he asks Pepper help in getting a letter into the prison asking none other than Al Capone for help with Natalie. Shortly, thereafter the school decides to open a second branch for older children, did Moose get through to Al? All he knows is that he has learned to fit into this new world and has made new friends. A cryptic message in his laundry one day leaves one wondering.
Although, this is a work of fiction Choldenko did a great job of melding fact and fiction. The story seems totally plausible and entertaining. I believe that this coming of age tale is appropriate for 5th grade and up and would give this tale a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the writing and the story, pick up your copy!
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