Al Capone Does My Homework

Throughout Al Capone Does My Homework, both Piper and Annie make sacrifices to help Moose, but in the end, he decides that Annie is the truer friend. Compare and contrast the two girls and their relationship with Moose. What factors contribute to Moose's decision in favor of Annie's trustworthiness over Piper's? How do Moose’s relationships with Piper and Annie relate to the theme of Moral Decision-Making in a Young Person’s Life?

Gennifer Choldenko has said that children are often more observant than grownups because they are free of the distractions of jobs, household management, social pressures, and other adult worries. Which of the novel’s characters illustrate this? Give examples of how these children prove themselves after being ignored or underestimated.

Compare and contrast Cam Flanagan with Darby Trixle, including their differing approaches to correctional supervision. What are the implications of Cam’s more compassionate approach in the narrative?

How does the setting of Alcatraz Island influence the development of the novel’s themes, particularly the theme of Moral Decision-Making in a Young Person’s Life?

Explore the historical context of the novel, including the setting in the 1930s and references to real-life figures like Al Capone. How does the historical backdrop enhance the storytelling and themes of the book?

How does Moose balance his efforts to protect Natalie with encouraging her independence and social development? How does Natalie surprise him by demonstrating her resilience and independence?

In Choldenko’s novel, the children living on Alcatraz must navigate pressures from above, from three groups of adults—their parents, guards (like Darby), and the convicts—all of whom want different things from them. What makes Piper especially susceptible to the allure of the convicts and their corrupt influence?

Moose feels, with some frustration, that he must do “everything” for his family. In what ways does he fulfill the traditional tasks of a parent rather than of a child?