Al Capone does my homework
Gennifer Choldenko
Al Capone does my homework
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gennifer Choldenko
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of the prison gates echoes through the salty air as Moose Flanagan walks the rugged paths of Alcatraz Island. The scent of the sea mixes with the tension of new challenges lurking around every corner, especially with his dad now the Associate Warden. Amid the rocky cliffs and whispered secrets, Moose must navigate family, danger, and the mysteries of the infamous prison — feelings as heavy as the fog rolling in.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set on Alcatraz Island, this middle-grade novel follows Moose Flanagan as he adjusts to his father's promotion to Associate Warden and the new responsibilities it brings. The story explores themes of family dynamics, growing up under unusual circumstances, and the history of the prison environment. Appropriate for children ages 9-12, it contains mild tension related to life near a penitentiary but is suitable for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Al Capone does my homework 11LP
Al Capone does my homework is written at a Level 6 reading level across 212 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Al Capone does my homework works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Al Capone does my homework as 11LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Al Capone does my homework explores family, brothers and sisters, adventure, historical, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, brothers and sisters, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780803734722
- Pages
- 212
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction