Sometimes the titles of books put me off from reading them. This is one of those books. Even though it is a Newberry Honor Book, I have next to no interest in Al Capone. But, I like to read what my son is reading, so I decided to give it a try. Well, you can't judge a book by its cover. I really liked it.
First of all, it's not about Al Capone, even though he is peripherally "involved" in the story. This is a story about the families who lived on Alcatraz Island when it was a functioning prison. Specifically, it's about the Flanagan family who move to Alcatraz after Mr. Flanagan takes a job there as a prison guard. The main character is Moose Flanagan, who is a twelve year old boy. Moose has an older sister, Natalie who is 15, but his mother tells everyone she is 10 years old. Natalie is on the autism spectrum, but since no one knew about autism in the 1930s, she is just "special" or "different". Mrs. Flanagan's mission in life is to get help for Natalie so that she is more "normal". Her latest plan is to get Natalie into the Esther P. Marinoff School in San Francisco, which is a special school for young children. The school doesn't take children older than 12, so that's why Moose's mother lies about Natalie's age.
What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Moose & Natalie. This is a true coming of age story for Moose as he develops a deep bond with his sister after being forced (by his mother) to be her primary "caregiver" after school every day. Natalie's "growth" into her own self & her being able to express (through words) some of her feelings, needs and wants is accomplished by Moose treating her "like a normal sister" and taking her everywhere he goes. Moose's friends become her friends. Even though Natalie initially starts school at the Esther P. Marinoff School when they first move to Alcatraz, she gets kicked out after 36 hours. Mrs. Flanagan is told about a woman, Mrs. Kelly, who can help Natalie by working one-on-one with Natalie until she is "ready" to give the school a try again. Mrs. Kelly's methods of working with Natalie and Moose's caring for Natalie every day brings about the change in Natalie. It's really heartwarming.
Moose also develops a crush on the Warden's daughter, Piper, after telling her again and again throughout the book that he doesn't want anything to do with her. She IS a troublemaker for sure! Anyway, for someone who works in social services with people who have disabilities, I really loved Moose's love for his sister and I loved watching their relationship develop. I also loved how Moose's friends, including Piper, accepted Natalie for who she is.
Wendy's Rating: ****
No comments:
Post a Comment