Predictions?

Now that we are half way through the book, I think it would be a good time to stop and make some predictions about what we think will happen in the second half. Where do we find ourselves today? (A list would be in order.)

What do you expect to happen in the next chapter? How will the book finish?

Of course wild guesses are fun, but predictions using evidence we have acquired so far are probably more likely to occur.

(I saw a list of predictions for ‘the next 100 years’ that was published in Ladies Home Journal in 1900. You might find it interesting. I wonder what evidence they used to develop their predictions. Click here to see the article.)

Second Half reading begins Monday.

Snitch

Chapters 17 through 20 get us to the end of the first half of the book. They are short chapterrs but a lot happens. There are many ‘interesting’ events, but I thought two things were critical.

The first is that without much setup we find that Natalie has become part of the group. Theresa, Jimmy, Annie, and even Piper treat Natalie in a friendly, respectful way. They seem to understand the things that she likes and does not like and they support her. This book is written in the ‘first person’ – as if Moose is talking to us. He acknowledges how the kids treat Natalie but he does not make any special note of it – except on page 111 where he says with some surprise, “it is almost as if she is part of our group”. She is part of the group – and it happened without him noticing. How did that happen?

The other event that I thought was critical was Moose’s surprise at his father’s anger over Moose’s participation (or non-participation) in the shirt laundering scheme. He seemed perplexed that his father would be angry just because Moose did not tell him what was going on while it was occurring. Pg 120 “you don’t want me to be a snitch do you?” When do you tell (and risk being a ‘snitch’, ‘tattle-tale’, ‘teachers pet’) and when do you stay silent (and risk something bad happening)?

(While not a ‘critical’ event, I thought it was interesting when the warden had the kids hand over the cash that was earned from the caper. Jimmy and Annie gave him money. Moose did not have any to give. The warden did not ask Piper if she had any. Moose thinks Piper will squirm out of this. What do you think?)

Fresh Start

Today (Wednesday) we are taking a reading break. As our family plans for a move, Ben has been thinking a lot about getting a ‘Fresh Start’, and specifically how he can take best advantage of this opportunity. He keeps wondering – How can he be sure to have a good ‘Fresh Start’?

We were talking about this in the car on Tuesday and I told Ben that I was reminded of Moose. His move to Alcatraz had been an opportunity for him to have a ‘fresh start’ but he had been focused on what was bad about moving and never allowed himself to contemplate that good things were possible as well. (So far the move has lived ‘up’ to his expectations.)

So – What can Ben learn from Moose? What could Moose have done differently as he arrived in this new place that would have left him happier then he is now?

From a more practical standpoint (or from those that have not read the book), what should Ben be thinking about as he prepares for his Fresh Start (now tentatively scheduled for January 22nd)?

Taken to the Cleaners

Ben, before reading Chapters 15 & 16, I would like you to write about how you try to get someone to do something that they do not want to do. Please use a specific example.

In Chapter 15 we will follow Moose as he tries to get Natalie to do something she does not want to do. What does he try? What doesn’t work? What does work? (Make a list.)

One of my favorite moments in the book so far happens in Chapter 16. Natalie, Moose, Annie, and Jimmy are riding the ferry with all of the shirts that need to be returned to the kids at Moose’s school. A guard (on his day off) is also riding the ferry. He is wondering why they have all that stuff. Piper explains (lies) the reason. I love what he says to her. Do you think he believed her?

There is one other interesting moment in Chapter 16. After giving the shirts back, one of the kids is not very satisfied and gets mad at Piper, but both Scout and Moose defend her. Why do they do that?

(We are almost half way through the book! Chapters 17 & 18 are short, so we are reading right through 20 tomorrow.)

The Latest Plan

It seems like a long time since we did any reading! (Vacations are great!) Before we read chapters 13 & 14, can you summarize in one paragraph what has happened so far? (Yes Ben, I want you to do that.)

In Chapter 13 we learn of Moose’s mother’s latest plan for helping Natalie. How does Moose feel about the plan? How will the plan affect him? Based on what we know about Natalie, how would you predict that she would react?

We know that Alcatraz is a prison. It could also be said that Moose is a prisoner of Alcatraz. Do you agree or disagree?

Anybody Out There?

Chapters 11 & 12 give us much to think about. Chapter 11 is a good lesson in Flanagan Family history and Chapter 12 gives us a clearer view of Piper the manipulator.

I found Chapter 12 very entertaining, but since it is almost Thanksgiving and there is a lot of shopping and cooking to do, I want to focus on Chapter 11. Clearly Natalie’s mom has done everything she can to help Natalie. Can you make a list of all of the things she has tried in her quest to help her? (Note: Some of them were outlined before Chapter 11.)

(Ben, I think it may be time for you to revisit your opinion regarding what is wrong with Natalie.)

The family clearly sacrificed a lot to get Natalie in the Ester P. Marinoff School. Why did they school reject her? What do you think about a place that would turn someone away for that reason?

As we get ready for a break, it would be a good time to revisit the ‘Essential Questions” outlined as we started the book. Go back and read them. Has the book helped us to frame any answers yet. (Piper seems awfully powerful, yet she is certainly not physically strong. What makes her so powerful?)

Oh - and by the way - IS ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE? (Except for you Kris!)

The Phone Rings

Before getting going, Ben (and anyone else that would like to – strongly encouraged), please take a moment and write your thoughts on the statement “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” As always, use personal experience.

Chapters 9 & 10 will bring us back to ‘the Rock’. The number of girls in Moose’s life will expand by one, and all of them – his mom, Natalie, Piper, Theresa, and Annie (the latest girl) are pushing and pulling at him in one way or another. Moose definitely has girl problems! Most surprising to me is how he lets Theresa (7!) manipulate him. She is not very subtle about it but he goes along anyway. Is Moose too nice for his own good?

Moose does not want to participate in Piper’s shirt cleaning plan. Two characters pressure / encourage him to do so. Contrast the way they try to get him to help. (Use quotes.)

Finally, some news regarding Natalie comes via phone. Moose could tell his mom first but instead he tells his Dad. Why do you think he chose to NOT tell his Mom?

(The website is a little wierd, but I like this MAP on the Alcatraz History website. Where was Moose when he was playing catch?)

Rule Breaker?

Chapters 7 and 8 are on the plate for today. With our move to Ohio on the horizon, I had special sympathy for Moose as he started his first day of school in a new place. It does not tell us how Moose was feeling as he got ready to go to school but I bet he was very nervous . (Imagine the fun of a boat ride from Alkatraz to San Francisco when you aready have a nervous stomach!) I can see Moose at the breakfast table with his Mom trying to make him feel better. "Moose, it is easy to make friends when you are new." How would you respond to that question? (Ben please write a response - using your own experience - before reading the chapters.)

When you read the chapters I think you will be surprised to find that Moose quickly breaks one of the Warden’s rules. Which rule did he break and what was he thinking as he did it?

Chapter 8 finds Moose playing baseball with some new school friends. The game clearly has a special place in Moose’s life. How would you describe what baseball means to him? Do you have something that fills a similar role for you?

The Warden Calls

At the end of Chapter 4, Moose says, “I always do what I am supposed to do”. I have noticed that the main character in most popular teen fiction is usually mischievous. By contrast, Moose seems like he is always doing his best to be a good son, brother, and friend.

Before reading chapters 5 & 6, I am going to have Ben do a quick write on the question: “Should you always do what you are supposed to do?” I will be looking for meaningful, personal examples to support his point of view. How would you answer the question?

Today’s reading includes Moose being called to visit the Warden. Piper, the warden’s daughter, ends up sitting in on the meeting and it could be argued that she orchestrated its conclusion. (I added a link to a virtual tour of Alcatraz. It mostly shows places in Australia but if you open the ‘places’ dropdown at the bottom you will find Alcatraz. Once there, see if you can find the Warden’s office.)

Who would you say was the most powerful person in the meeting – Moose, Piper, or the Warden? What is your Evidence?

Somehow this is not going to turn out well for Moose. Any idea how?

Are you keeping up?

Chapters 3 & 4 today. We are going to be introduced to a new character - Piper. When I read I often have a hard time keeping the characters straight. I do not think I will have a hard time remembering Piper. She seems like a tough bird. What's with that name? Do you think the Author had a specific reason for calling her 'Piper'.

(In the right column I have added a 'Characters' list. I have tried to list them in order of importance. Where should I put Piper?)

The book shifts gears a bit in Chapter 4. Moose clearly has very complicated feelings for his sister. How would you describe that relationship?

Lets Get Started!

Time to get reading.

Wendesday we will read chapters 1 & 2. The plan is to read a couple of chapters each day. Before reading, check in here and you might find a thought or question to ponder while enjoying the book. Then return and offer your comments.

Yes, it is a fun book to read but we want to be thinking about some larger questions as well. Park these in the back of your brain and we will come back to them as we learn more:

1. How does a person become part of a group?


2. How does a person decide who to trust?


3. What makes a person powerful?

As we get going, pay close attention to the characters defining qualities - and don't forget their names! I will figure out a way to post a list of their names and other information here.

(The School of Dad is in great deabt to their Launguage Arts Advisor - Kris - for help in directing this examination of ACDMS. We are greatly in her debt.)

As I read the first two chapters I was left with many questions. A big one for me was, "What is wrong with Natalie?" Any thoughts?

Pop Quiz

Did Al Capone Die in Prison?

If so, what prison.

Scarface

We will be using this blog for our 'Al Capone Does My Shirts' (by Gennifer Choldenko) reading group. We will start reading the book tomorrow. (11/14)

Exactly how this blog will be used is a bit unclear and will evolve.

Before we get reading we should probably get some information about Al Capone. Reply with any interesting facts and the source of that information.