From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought

Oct 05, 2013
Barbara
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
character-building,
ncbla2014,
mysteries,
families,
facing-fears,
series,
social-studies,
community,
friendship,
jobs
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

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

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

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

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

May 14, 2013
Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)
added it
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

Feb 26, 2013
Monica Edinger
added it
Very engaging. It was a pleasure to be back in Moose's world.
...more

Feb 01, 2013
Amber Aslakson
marked it as to-read



Mar 23, 2013
Beth
marked it as to-listen

Mar 23, 2013
Donalyn
marked it as to-read


Jun 08, 2013
alisonwonderland (Alison)
marked it as to-read

Jun 09, 2013
Dan
marked it as to-read

Jun 28, 2013
Wendy Garland
marked it as to-read