Al Capone Does My Boots Character Analysis

Name: Joselyn

Title of Essay: Theme for family.

In the novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts, written by Gennifer Choldenko, 12-year-old Moose Flanagan and his family move to Alcatraz because of Mr. Flanagan, Moose’s father, new job. They also moved to Alcatraz because of Natalie’s learning disability. Moose has to babysit Natalie everyday and that causes them to finally communicate. Later on in the story, the Flanagan family finally communicate with each other more then they used to. The first way the theme of family is developed is by introducing the family's problems. The family don’t communicate. Mrs. Flanagan puts all of her attention and time to Natalie and leaves none for Moose. Mr. Flanagan works almost all day so he doesn’t go home that much and when he does go home, he spends the day with Natalie but doesn’t get a chance to hang out with Moose. The text explains, “ ‘She’s got one good boy, why not focus on him? But no, she goes on these wild-goose chases.’ ” “He's been gone forever and I hardly got to see him at all yesterday. ‘ I’ll bet you took Natalie out this morning didn't you?’ ‘ That isn’t fair,’ I say, though I know better.” In conclusion, Moose also doesn’t think it’s fair that only Natalie gets to have a day with their dad. Other people also realize that Natalie gets all the attention from Mr. Flanagan and Mrs. Flanagan and

Flanagan getting an everyday job and asking Moose to take care of his sister, this helps Moose and Natalie to communicate with each other and for Moose to understand what happens to Natalie. The text explains, “It’s the funniest thing I've ever heard. For a second, I think I see Natalie smile too. Or maybe I’ve just imagined it… I want to grab Natalie. Hold her with me. Keep her from going down again. I just love talking to her this way.” In conclusion, Moose used to not spend time with Natalie but now that he does, he has a good time. Moose also likes to talk to