2005 Carnegie Shortlist

2004 Nasen/TES Children’s Book Award Winner

2005 Newbery Honour Medal

A novel full of pithy humour that holds the readers attention to the very last page

TES

Moose lives on Alcatraz Island, home to the notorious prison and the infamous gangster, Al Capone. But living right down the street from theives and murderers is not Moose’s only problem. His Dad’s always working and his mum expects him to look after his autistic sister, Natalie. And when Moose gets mixed up with Piper, the warden’s daughter, he soon finds out that life on Alcatraz in far from straightforward.

What’s the hook?

Hilarious antics are deftly interwoven with themes of isolation and imprisonment, compassion and connection in this engaging coming-of-age story.

What are the themes?

Family, growing up, relationships, responsibility, as well as links to issues such as autism.

Teaching points

This award-winning novel skillfully combines empathetic characters, real moments of tension and suspense, brilliant setting and convincing dialogue. Historical footnotes, diagrams and an author’s note all add to the authenticity of the text.