She is extremely intelligent and can do extraordinary calculations in her head at the drop of a hat. She prefers predictability and loves activities such as counting, memorizing facts, and playing with her button collection. Natalie's autism affects how she experiences the world.

Moose is often the only one who can comfort Natalie when she is overwhelmed and knows effective strategies to calm her down and help her feel safe. He is fiercely loyal to Natalie and understands the challenges caused by her autism. Moose has always been close with his older sister Natalie, who has autism. However, Moose knows that his father was lucky to get a job as an electrician there as the year is 1935 and during the Great Depression, a quarter of the population was unemployed. Twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan is not thrilled about moving next door to a maximum security prison occupied by the most notorious criminals in America.

What messages or lessons does the author try to impart to the reader?.

How does the setting influence the events in the story?.What are some of the themes present in the novel?.What are some of the symbols and motifs present in the novel? How does the symbolism help you better understand the characters and their motivations?.Who are some other main characters in Al Capone Does My Shirts and what challenges do they face?.What challenges does Moose face and how does he change and grow throughout the story?.

What are some of Natalie's strengths and challenges? How does she change and grow throughout the story?.Essential Questions for Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Al capone at alcatraz book series