In the last book of the "Tales from Alcatraz" series, Moose is now thirteen and his autistic sister Natalie turns seventeen. Their mother is forced to face the fact that Natalie is maturing and wants to look her age, and she has a crush on a boy. But when Moose is forced to keep watch over both Natalie and the prison warden's bratty daughter one afternoon, Moose and all the other kids on the baseball field discover that Natalie picks up on bits of conversation that make Moose's life as her brother even harder.
I like this series a whole lot as it's written with historical accuracy and realism. It's partly about growing up on Alcatraz and following the many rules for safety and dealing with the prisoners, but it's also placed during the Depression, and Moose's family also has the issue of Natalie's autism in a time when the understanding about this was rare. ( )

The final book in the Alcatraz series is a bit far-fetched towards the end, but still an entertaining read, a little different from most middle grade books, due to the 1930s Alcatraz setting.
Unfortunately, Annie has left for a summer camp in this volume, so we don't get to enjoy the developing relationship between her and Moose, and the conniving (possibly sociopathic) Piper is back from boarding school. One prisoner is singled out for the story: Fastball. And Natalie, Moose's autistic older sister, is growing up in more ways than one.
The real story begins when Moose is desperate to impress the guys on the high school baseball team so they'll let him and his buddy Scout join the team even though they'll only be freshmen. The captain of the team might allow it... if they'll bring something impressive from Alcatraz. He suggest a photo of Moose and Al Capone together. But unbeknownst to Moose, Natalie has figured out something that will impress them (because she developed an instant crush on one of the players, so she's eager to help) and what she brings begins the chain of events, which as always, levave Moose having to make impossible decisions, and frequently making all the wrong decisions for the all the right right reasons. ( )

This was my first exposure to Moose and all his friends, including those more infamous than others, and despite that fact, I rather enjoyed my stay on the island "no one escapes".

Moose Flanagan...what is there to say about Moose Flanagan. He's not your typical hero, heck he's only a kid for crying out loud, and yet I gotta say, I can't help but see him that way. Despite how he could have been...self serving, greedy, uncaring, mean, and the list goes on...he was none of those things. True, he had his moments where he wished life was different, be it the locale in which they live, the acquaintances they keep, or even his very family, but those are simply human emotions...no one is perfect, nor is anyone's life perfect, and the fact that he figures that out while still taking on the weight of the world and never giving up the good fight is hero worthy in my eyes. But I digress...he is not the only one of note here to mention. We've got Natalie, his sister, who sees life differently and has her own challenges to face, including that of a mother who simply can't let go...yes, it's harder in her case for apparent reasons, but life still moves forward, people change, people grow, and while protection may be needed, that need changes shape. Then there's Piper, who I has a seriously had time trusting, you'll find out why, but is yet another case of people changing and growing, even if they still misstep along the way. Let us not forget Moose's parents (well meaning, but stretched thin), the warden (*grr*), the other kiddos in their group, and...the prisoners. Yes, that's right...I mean, they ARE on Alcatraz, so yeah, they are "residents" too...and some get a bit TOO close for comfort.

Turning our eyes back to the story on the whole, there were many moments that make up this tale that'll stop you in your tracks. I about died when Natalie tried to help get Moose on the baseball team...and was seriously worried someone else would! The preoccupation she develops with Passerini was daunting but sweet, even if not exactly meant to be, and I loved how the author dealt with it showing that not all kids/teens are heartless or lack understanding/compassion. When Moose does interact with Al Capone (SHOCKING!), I admit...I was prepared for so much more and yet the pearls of wisdom gleaned fit perfectly. Of course there's also the jailhouse sequence, which I shan't ruin by exposing here, but suffice it to say that it's a harrowing experience from start to finish . Seriously, hair-raising, breath holding stuff here.... *gulp*

All in all, I had a great time in Alcatraz, and I'm pretty sure not many can actually say that. (LOL!) While entertaining, it also reminds us to stand up for ourselves, those we love, and what we believe in, and that growing up happens whether we want it to or not. All we can do is hold on for the ride and take it one day at a time.


**copy received for review ( )

United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, California--Juvenile fiction. United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, California--Fiction. Autism--Fiction. Brothers and sisters--Fiction. Alcatraz Island (Calif.)--History--20th century--Fiction.