Here are some questions to consider for our discussion about this book:
AL CAPONE
- Is he a good guy or a bad guy?
- What's going on between him and Natalie?
- Bonus points for bringing in info about his real crimes.
NATALIE
- What is so difficult about Natalie’s behavior?
- Why does Mrs. Flanagan keep celebrating Natalie’s tenth birthday? How does Moose get her to change her mind ?
- How did Natalie really get accepted to school? What made Mr. Purdy suddenly
decide to open another school? Did Moose’s letter to Al Capone make a difference?
PIPER
- Describe when Moose meets the warden’s daughter. What is she like, and how does Moose react to her?
- Moose is attracted to and suspicious of Piper. How would you advise Moose to handle Piper?
MOOSE
- Moose loves baseball. How does that hurt and/or help him?
- As Moose helps Natalie off the boat, he thinks to himself, “Good Moose, obedient Moose. I always do what I’m supposed to do.” Is this true?
- Mrs. Flanagan tells Moose: “You’re better with Natalie than I am.” (p. 180) What
does Moose do for Natalie that their mother does not? How does Moose treat Natalie?
And how do Moose’s friends on Alcatraz play a role in helping Natalie?
From the beginning to the end of the novel, which characters change? Do you think these changes will last?
