Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

Moose has just started getting used to living on Alcatraz Island with criminals like Al Capone.  His sister is about to start school for people like her (what we’d know classify as autism or autism spectrum disorder).  But now Moose starts getting notes in his laundry, notes that say, “Done,” and “Your turn.”  Notes that mean Moose owes the notorious Al Capone himself a favor.  So where do Moose’s loyalties lie?  With his dad?  With the guards?  Or with the con men, who really don’t seem that bad.

This is the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts, which won a Newberry Honor Award.

Review by Kathleen

If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko

If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko is the story of two seventh graders at a private school in the San Fransisco area.  Kirsten is white, privileged, the daughter of a doctor.  Walker is new to the school, a transfer from the public school, and economically underprivileged.  And African-American.  The only African-American in his grade, and one of three in the whole school.  But when Kirsten’s best friend dumps her to hang with the popular kids, Walker is there to help with homework and extra credit, and to stand up for her when one of the popular kids accuses Kirsten of stealing the teacher’s wallet.  Kirsten’s parents and Walker’s mom are all concerned that the two kids might start having feelings for each other, because there’s a secret no one told Kirsten or Walker.

If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period is good for middle grade and younger teen readers.

Gennifer Choldenko is best known for her Newberry Honor Book, Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Review by Kathleen