Al Capone Shines My Shoes

By: Gennifer Choldenko

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Moose and the cons are about to get a lot closer in this much-anticipated sequel.

It's 1935. Moose Flanagan lives on Alcatraz with his family, the other families of the guards, and a few hundred no-name hit men, con men, mad dog murderers and a handful of bank robbers too. And one of those cons has just done him a big favor.

You see, Moose has never met Al Capone, but a few weeks ago Moose wrote a letter to him asking him to use his influence to get his sister, Natalie, into a school she desperately needs in San Francisco. After Natalie got accepted, a note appeared in Moose's freshly laundered shirt that said: Done.

As this book begins, Moose discovers a new note. This one says: Your turn. Is it really from Capone? What does it mean? Moose can't risk anything that might get his dad fired. But how can he ignore Al Capone?

©2009 Gennifer Choldenko (P)2009 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Choldenko hits a grand slam.... Effortless period dialogue, fully developed secondary characters and a perfectly paced plot." (Kirkus)

"Heart-stopping + heartrending + heartwarming." (San Francisco Chronicle)

"A tender, engaging book that captures both the imagination and the heart." (San Jose Mercury News)

A very interesting and captivating story

The al Capone series are well written and interesting. The reader does a good job impersonating all the characters.

Great

Great follow up to the first book! Narrator was just as amazing as the first time as well.

More Character Building

I like how the story continues with the same characters just a few months after the first book ends.

A unique, interesting cast, plot and setting like no other book I've read before!

Set on Alcatraz in the depression year of 1935, the hero of the story solves mysteries, and lives and learns about Life on The Rock. He is a regular honest boy with a sister with autism, his dad is a guard, and his mom is trying hard to keep the family together. Capone is both a likable guy but always taken seriously as the most dangerous man in America. Great read!

Wonderful book

I would think this book should go to 9-11 years of age. It was the top 5 best book series I’ve ever read !!! Please try it!! (Watch out this is book two!)

A wonderful surprise.

This is the 2nd of the series and I have loved both snd plan to get the 3rd. My granddaughter bought the book on my phone (surprise) and it was a blessing.

I am so in love

This book I thought Had a lot of great surprise it and was very abnormal and it was a very awesome booked all learn and to hear about what life might have been like on Alcatraz even and though this is a fictional book

11 Year old loved It!

If you could sum up Al Capone Shines My Shoes in three words, what would they be?

The best book!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Moose because he was very adventurous.

What does Kirby Heyborne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings excitement to the book by doing a variety of voices in a way that I would picture them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, because it was 7 hours long and I was reading it for my home reading project. I had to read 20 minutes a day.

Any additional comments?

My 11 year old son who is reluctant to read loved this book AND loved using the Audible download. Having this service is wonderful for a kid who isn't really into reading or struggles with reading. Audible makes him look forward to his 20 minute a day reading project instead of dreading it. Thank you for helping this mom help her son. (My son wrote the reviewer comments about the book himself). ;)

Good sequel

What made the experience of listening to Al Capone Shines My Shoes the most enjoyable?

I bought it for my kids so they could read along. Audible books are great for kids learning how to read chapter books and also for adults who want to multi-task and listen and do other things at the same time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Moose Flanagan because he's responsible and smart. He cares about his sister Natalie very much.

What does Kirby Heyborne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I don't like reading aloud to my kids unless it's a short picture book because it makes my mouth tired. Having a good reader with inflections helps them follow along with the story better.

Another Good Book

I like how the author turns history into a very interesting story. Kirby Heyborne is a great narrator!