Al Capone Throws Me a Curve

(Paperback)

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Return to Al Capone's Alcatraz with Newbery Honor-winning author Gennifer Choldenko in this charming addition to the beloved series about the son of a prison guard. Moose Flanagan's father is the assistant warden of Alcatraz--the roughest hard-time prison in America--so he and his family live on the island. It's the summer before high school, and he is desperate to get on the baseball team. The problem The captain will only let Moose and his best friend on if they get him something from Alcatraz--something impossible. Meanwhile, Moose must keep an eye on his fragile older sister, Natalie, as well as the warden's two-faced, danger-loving daughter, Piper, who has a crush on him. He must learn to stand up to people- His parents. The warden. Piper. Even the most dangerous criminal in the country--Al Capone. And then Moose gets the pitch of a lifetime and delivers a hit no one on Alcatraz will ever forget. Don't miss the rest of the Tales from Alcatraz series! Al Capone Does My Shirts Al Capone Shines My Shoes Al Capone Does My Homework

Reviews

"This worthy 'second ending' finishes on a hopeful note that series fans will embrace."Booklist,Starred review

"It's earnest Moose, always striving to do the right thing, who elevates this tale, like a hard-hit baseball, into the stratosphere."Kirkus Reviews,Starred review

"A powerful story of love and family that will please fans and newcomers."School Library Journal

"Choldenko continues to effectively develop the vivid historical setting (explained in greater depth in the back matter) as well as the tightly woven community."The Horn Book Magazine


Praise for the previous three Al Capone books:

A Newbery Honor Book

"Choldenko hits a grand slam." Kirkus Reviews, Starred review

Funny situations and plot twists abound! People

"Heart-stopping . . . heartrending . . . heartwarming." San Francisco Chronicle

"Rich characterization, tender drama, and sleuthworthy clues, this poignant mystery makes for a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the landmark historical trilogy." Booklist, Starred review

"Choldenko continues to infuse the Alcatraz community with warmth and originality." Publishers Weekly, Starred review

"Choldenko's storytelling is compelling, portraying human decency as a force more powerful than heroism." Newsday

Author Bio

Gennifer Choldenko is the New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor-winning author of many popular children's books, including Notes from a Liar and Her Dog, If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, Al Capone Does My Shirts, Al Capone Shines My Shoes, Al Capone Does My Homework, and No Passengers Beyond This Point, and from Wendy Lamb Books, Chasing Secrets. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her online at gennifercholdenko.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/gennifer.choldenko, and on Twitter at @choldenko.