Al Capone Does My Shirts

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. Where does Moose’s father intend to send Natalie to school?

2. Who is the first person to introduce themself to Moose and Natalie?

3. Who does the laundry on the island?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Moose Flanagan feel about moving to Alcatraz, and what evidence supports your assessment of his feelings?

2. Why does Moose have conflicting feelings about Natalie?

3. Describe the role that has been given to Theresa on the island.

Paired Resource

Alcatraz Island

• This article explores the history behind Alcatraz Island.
• The information connects to theme of Imprisonment.
• How did Alcatraz Island acquire its name? After the island was acquired by the United States, what was it first used for? When did Alcatraz officially become a federal prison? Who were some of the infamous or well-known inmates on the island? What is Alcatraz Island used for today?

Chapters 7-12

Reading Check

1. What does Moose write a note to Scout about?

2. Who is recommended to Helen as a special education tutor for Natalie?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Piper’s idea for making money, and how does she plan to implement it?

2. What reason is given by the school for sending Natalie home?

Paired Resource

“Seeking the Humanity of Al Capone”

• This article describes the life of Al Capone and his eventual rise in history/folklore as a somewhat mythological figure. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)
• This information connects with the themes of The Importance of Empathy and Understanding, Imprisonment, and Disability.

Chapters 13-18

Reading Check

1. What is Moose instructed to ask the baseball players to change so he can watch Natalie?

2. What does Moose give back to Natalie after he learns he will not be able to play in the baseball game?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Mrs. Kelly’s strategy for helping Natalie, and why does Moose find it concerning?

2. Why are the students angry with Piper when she returns their clothing? What were they expecting?

Paired Resource

“September 9, 1931: Al Capone Turns out for Cubs-White Sox Charity Exhibition in Chicago”

• This article and image from the Society for American Baseball Research details the family life of Al Capone and his sharing of his love of baseball with his son. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)
• Teachers might consider sharing the baseball game image and select content from the article.
• Shared themes include The Importance of Empathy and Understanding and Imprisonment.
• To accompany select content: Why was Al Capone at a professional baseball game in 1931? Who was he with? Why might this have been a significant event for him to attend with the person he attended with? What do you learn about Capone from the article?

Chapters 19-22

Reading Check

1. Who reveals the laundry operation to the Warden?

2. What has Piper been reading while she was away at her grandmother’s?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How do the characters respond when Natalie curls into a ball after Moose accidentally kicks a can into Natalie’s button box? What is revealed about the characters’ motivations by their responses?

2. Why do Mrs. Capone’s plans to visit her son go awry, and what realization does Moose have about her after she leaves the island?

Paired Resource

“This Is What Life in Alcatraz Was Really Like”

• This 11-minute video describes life in the prison on Alcatraz.
• Shared themes include Imprisonment and The Importance of Empathy and Understanding.
• Who was the most infamous inmate in Alcatraz? What did the inmates do for recreational purposes? What were some of the perks of the prison? What was life like for children on Alcatraz Island? What kinds of recreational activities did inmates participate in?

Chapters 23-28

Reading Check

1. What does Scout want Piper to collect for him?
2. What is the number Natalie states that causes Moose to attempt to guess its source?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Early in the novel, Moose describes Piper as cute, but when Scout confesses to Moose that he thinks Piper is cute, Moose says he doesn’t think she is. Why do you think Moose changed his mind about Piper?

2. How does the relationship between Moose and Natalie change as they spend more time together?

Chapters 29-35

Reading Check

1. Who does Annie warn Moose about?

2. Who does Natalie run to see the day before her interview with the school?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Piper use people as tools to get what she wants?

2. Why does Moose argue with Helen on Natalie’s birthday, and how does it begin to change the relationship between Natalie and her parents?

Chapters 36-40

Reading Check

1. Who does Moose suggest to the Warden may be able to grant him a favor?

2. What is on the note Moose finds in his clean shirt?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Mrs. Kelly ask Natalie when Natalie begins to lose focus? What does it say about Natalie’s relationship with Moose?

2. Who likely grants Moose’s request for Natalie’s attendance at school, and how do you know?

Recommended Next Reads

The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

• This historical fiction novel is about a 10-year-old boy who is removed from his hometown and taken to Birmingham, Alabama, where he experiences the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing.
• Shared themes include The Importance of Empathy and Understanding.
• Shared topics include prejudice, fitting in, and family.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham on SuperSummary

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

• This novel is the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts. After Al Capone grants Moose his favor, he expects a favor from Moose in return.
• Shared themes include Disability, Imprisonment, and The Importance of Empathy and Understanding.
• Shared topics include self-reliance, honesty, and friendship.
• Al Capone Shines My Shoes on SuperSummary