Review of AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS

Choldenko, Gennifer. 2004. AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0-399-23861-1

AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS is a collection of journal entries by Matthew “Moose” Flanagan. Moose’s life is not unlike that of a typical seventh grader—except that his older sister is autistic, his father is an electrician/prison guard, and he lives on Alcatraz Island. The characters’ traits unfold through a combination of dialog, action, and narrative. The family moved to Alcatraz to take advantage of an educational opportunity for his sister. Though he deeply resents the move, Moose, a self-proclaimed good boy, always does what he’s supposed to do and “tries very hard not to get angry with his sister.” Moose’s desire to have a “normal” family and do the right thing permeates everything he does. The island and its buildings and characteristics are explicitly described. The year is both included in the journal entries as well as alluded to in the title and text. Contemporary references to Al Capone, joblessness, and inkwells support the story’s 1930s era. The dialog and narrative are natural and flow easily—not at all encumbered by an author’s need to clarify the time period or force feed historical tidbits. The historical era and setting add to this story’s uniqueness and appeal. Even if the reader does not have a developmentally disabled family member, the target audience will empathize with the protagonist’s struggle to fit in socially and be a positive force within his family.

Selected as a Newbery Honor Book in 2005, this historical fiction novel is highly recommended for readers grades 5-9.

Review of GOOD-BYE, 382 SHIN DANG DONG

Park, Frances and Ginger Park. Yangsook Choi (Ill.) 2002. GOOD-BYE, 382 SHIN DANG DONG. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society. ISBN 9-780792-27985-3

PLOT SUMMARY
Eight-year old Jangmi is moving with her family to 112 Foster Terrace, Brighton, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Although her parents are excited about the move, Jangmi thinks more about how much she will miss her best friend, Kisuni; the tree outside her home; and the yummy Korean fruit, chummy. When Jangmi’s parents tell her about their new house, she becomes concerned the new place will never feel like home. As they move in, Jangmi begins to see positive aspects of 112 Foster Terrace—not the least of which is a new friend, who giggles “just like Kisuni!” In the end, she accepts that she may come to love her new home as much as her old, but Korea will always be in her heart.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
The Park sisters draw from their own childhood to create a realistic and culturally authentic story about a little girl moving from her home in Korea to 112 Foster Terrace, Brighton, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Through the use of characterization, setting, and illustration, GOOD-BYE, 382 SHIN DANG DONG allows the reader into the mind of a eight-year old girl who is struggling with an imminent move to a foreign country.

The character development in this story produces realistic and sympathetic personalities. For example, the main character, Jangmi, looks around her bare room and frowns. She asks her parents questions about their new home. Her fears, rather than being assuaged, are heightened. In their sadness about being so far apart, Jangmi and her best friend, Kisuni, begin to discuss the connections they will maintain after the move. These are genuine reactions for young children faced with this type of situation. Jangmi displays convincing strength of character when her mother tells her Rose is the English translation of her name. When asked, Jangmi insists she wants to be called by her name—not an American name.

The setting of the story varies from page to page. Initially, the reader sees the inside of Jangmi’s home in Korea. Though the house is filled with boxes, the rice paper doors and low tables are clues as to the culture of the characters. Shoes left on the door step, open air markets and the monsoon rains also contribute to the cultural ambience.

Finally, Choi contributes a significant amount of Korean atmosphere through the use of his illustrations. While skin tone varies little; the facial features, hair color and style, and clothing differs from person to person. Thus, homogenous representation of Korean people is avoided. The illustration of the family driving to the airport depicts Korea as a country which is both modern and traditional. On the left side of the paved road is a pagoda-style building and on the right are high-rise office buildings.

Being an ‘insider’ of a represented culture is not a sure-fire way to avoid inaccurate or inauthentic literature. However, the Parks and Choi team make full use of their Korean heritage and experiences to create a realistic and culturally sensitive story. Moving anywhere can be difficult for children—especially if that place is in a foreign country. GOOD-BYE, 382 SHIN DANG DONG depicts a believable Korean family with which any reader can empathize.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
“The lengthy text and detailed oil paintings capture Jangmi's heartache at leaving behind her beloved home, her best friends, and everything that is familiar.” (Horn Book)
“The book nimbly charts the common anxieties of a child moving to a new place, from worries about making friends to the strangeness of new surroundings.” (Publishers Weekly)
“While this quiet story explores the universal fear of change in rather predictable ways, children will find the details of cultural differences and the immigrant experience well evoked.” (School Library Journal)

Reviews obtained from Follett Library Resources and accessed at:
http://www.flr.follett.com

CONNECTIONS
Other books for children about Immigrant Adjustment to life in the U.S.:
Choi, Sook Nyul. HALMONI AND THE PICNIC. ISBN 978-0-395-61626-0
Park, Frances. THE HAVE A GOOD DAY CAFÉ. ISBN 978-1-58430-171-4
Recorvits, Helen. YOON AND THE CHRISTMAS MITTEN. ISBN 978-0-374-38688-7

Other books related to Korea:
Patz, Nancy. BABIES CAN’T EAT KIMCHEE! ISBN 978-1-59990-017-9
Park, Linda Sue. BEE-BIM-BOP! ISBN 978-0618-265114-9
Park, Linda Sue. THE FIREKEEPER’S SON. ISBN 978-0618-133376

The authors’ website: http://www.parksisters.com/
The illustrator’s website: http://www.yangsookchoi.com/