From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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Barbara
Thirteen-year-old Moose Flanagan is proud of his father's promotion to Associate Warden at Alcatraz, but he also knows that the promotion makes him a target of some of the inmates and other jealous guards. When a mysterious fire breaks out in the Flanagans' apartment, some residents are quick to blame Natalie, Moose's sixteen-year-old sister since she has autism. Together with his friends, Jimmy, Annie, and Piper, he tries to solve the mystery while also keeping things calm on the home front. Th ...more
Dest
The third (and probably final) book about Moose Flanagan is solid middle grade historical fiction. Moose and his Alcatraz community of guards, families, and convicts are still compelling--when you share an island with America's most famous criminals, there's bound to be some drama! In this book, we see Moose's dad has been promoted to Associate Warden. There's a mysterious fire. Moose tries to be everything to everyone (a character trait that was less and less endearing to me as the book progres ...more
Cindy
Sep 25, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: childrens-reads
Moose had no idea how his life would change once his father was made the new warden. It all started when his house caught fire when he was left home to babysit his disabled sister Natalie. He was so concerned that Natalie had started the fire after he had accidentally fallen asleep. He then started to notice some odd behaviors from the inmates and is not sure what to think of it. He and his team of friend start an investigation to see if they can figure out what is going on and in the meantime s ...more
Mari Anne
Aug 26, 2013 rated it liked it
Shelves: mg-ya
3.5 stars for this newest installment in the MG "Al Capone" series by Choldenko. Great action, lots of hidden history and a mystery are included in this story set on Alcatraz during the Depression. These stories are told from the viewpoint of the guard's kids who lived on Alcatraz and even interacted sometimes with the prisoners. The thought of something like that happening in today's world is unthinkable but fictional or not, these are great stories that would probably be best enjoyed by grades ...more
Susan  Dunn
I liked the next book in this series. Most kids will think it's totally cool to read a book about a kid who lives with the criminals on Alcatraz Island! As usual, Moose and his friends have adventures, and this time try to solve a mystery. In addition, Moose's interactions with his autistic sister, Natalie are moving and true to life. For anyone who's ever visited Alcatraz, this one is even more interesting. ...more
Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)
I heard that this was going to be the last Al Capone book and if that is true then I am truly sad because I am going to miss Moose and the gang. However, for fans of the series (and I definitely count myself as one of the biggest fans), this was another fantastic read. I couldn't put it down. ...more
Michele
This book witnesses the children of Alcatraz as they enter the edges of the adult world (they are now 13) and sees them make some hard decisions. This would be great for discussion in a teen book club.
Karen Arendt
Sep 02, 2013 rated it it was amazing
A very satisfying conclusion to the series! Moose carries the wait of the world because if his sister, but Al Capone still finds a way to help Moose in his own way. Loved it !
Marie
Apr 19, 2019 rated it really liked it
I liked this one just as much as the first one, maybe even more because I have gotten to know the characters better.
Monica Edinger
Very engaging. It was a pleasure to be back in Moose's world. ...more
Library Maven
Jan 22, 2013 marked it as to-read
Shelves: edelweiss
Amber Aslakson
Feb 01, 2013 marked it as to-read
Beth
Mar 23, 2013 marked it as to-listen
Donalyn
Mar 23, 2013 marked it as to-read
Julie
Apr 10, 2013 rated it liked it
Dan
Jun 09, 2013 marked it as to-read
Wendy Garland
Jun 28, 2013 marked it as to-read
Julie
Jul 24, 2013 rated it really liked it
Jan
Sep 06, 2013 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Suzy
Oct 30, 2013 rated it liked it
Sherry Holland
Jul 26, 2014 rated it it was amazing
Beth Knight
Nov 01, 2014 marked it as to-read
Shelves: own-it, childrens
Robin
Feb 26, 2016 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Jennifer
May 22, 2016 marked it as to-read
Megan
Jan 12, 2019 marked it as to-read
Shelves: kids-we-own
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