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Quote by Gennifer Choldenko

Work

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts is a novel that combines humor with poignant moments. The story is narrated by Moose Flanagan, a young boy who lives with his family on Alcatraz Island, the famous federal penitentiary. The Flanagan family is employed by the prison, and Moose often finds himself interacting with the inmates, including the notorious Al Capone. The book delves into the dynamics of family life, the challenges of growing up, and the unexpected friendships that can form in unusual circumstances. It offers a unique perspective on the historical setting and the human condition. more

Author

Gennifer Choldenko
Gennifer Choldenko

Gennifer Choldenko is an American author known for her works in children's literature, born on October 20, 1957. She is particularly skilled at depicting stories set against historical backdrops. Her novel 'Al Capone Does My Shirts' has been highly acclaimed and has won multiple literary awards. more

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“Then what shall I write? I can't just write that this happened then this happened then this happened to boring infinitum. I'll let my journal grow just like the mind does, just like a tree or beast does, just like life does. Why should a book tell a tale in a dull straight line? Words should wander and meander. They should fly like owls and flicker like bats and slip like cats. They should murmur and scream and dance and sing.”

“Tom’s aunt Georgie spoke to me first, and Tom found me through her. At the time, I didn’t actually think Tom was a big enough character to carry a story. If it had to be anyone from Saving Francesca, I thought, it would be Will Trombal or Tara. But the line in Francesca, ‘I want to be the first male in the Mackee family to reach 40 and still have a liver’ stuck with me, and in the end, Tom has been one of the biggest surprises. I’m glad I didn’t kick him out of my head.”