Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts was by far the best book I have read thus far. It was an easy read, but at the same time a book that was hard to put down. The very first page of the book caught my attention and I wanted to keep reading. The way it was written was very interesting and I enjoyed how the book dealt with many different issues. I do think the main focus of the book was on autism; however it seemed as if it may have been on Al Capone, hence the title. Before I began reading I have no idea what the book was going to be about. I thought something with Al Capone, but then wondered how this would fit into our class and be about diversity. Even as I started reading I felt there was a focus on Al Capone and was still a bit confused. Even as Moose talked about his sister I was confused, it didn’t hit me until a couple chapters in what was going on and how this book fit in with our class.
I definitely think this was a very cleaver way to write the book. I think if the book was written strictly on autism younger children would lose interest and could be a little confused themselves. Having the extra information and real life situations helps students relate to the book and then begin to enjoy it and understand what is going on. I still feel students may be a bit confused as to what is “wrong” with Natalie and why she stays ten years old and why she does things a little differently than the other kids.
I also feel this book could help students who live with or know an autistic child or adult. It could help them see that Moose and his family had to work around Natalie’s disability, but were still able to live a good life and have friends and fun. At times it was hard, but it is like that in really any family. Everyone lives with some type of situation that may change their lives in some way or another. This book places an emphasis on autism, but not too strong of one. I think this is a great way to write a children’s book. It almost makes autism seem like its not that big of a deal and that even if you are or know someone who is living with it, the day will go on and things will all work out for the best. There was a lot going on in the book, but not too much to where a child could get overwhelmed with all of the issues of the book.