Al Capone Does My Shirts Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

Murderers Darn My Socks

  • Moose remembers when a relative came to visit them, and suggested to his mom that Natalie should be put into an asylum. Their mom got so angry that the aunt was never invited back. Moose tries to tell himself that sending Natalie to the Esther P. Marinoff School is different…
  • When they get home, there's a note on the door from the warden, asking Moose to stop by and see him.
  • Dad looks exhausted. Moose thinks that being a prison guard is the wrong job for him and that it would suit his mom way better.
  • Mom can't find her glove. While looking, Moose sees Natalie's blanket and he gets angry that his parents didn't send it with her.
  • Moose happily heads out of the house to spend time with his dad. He's been angry with everybody lately about this move—well, everyone except Natalie.
  • Moose and his dad start playing ball. Moose complains about living at Alcatraz, and when he mentions Natalie, his dad says to leave her out of it.
  • His dad explains that the warden doesn't care about Natalie, but wants to meet Moose.
  • He also tries to explain that Natalie's school will be good for her, since there are professionals who will teach her. He tells his son that change is tough for everybody—you can't always know the outcome, and sometimes you just have to hope for the best.
  • His dad tells him to put on a clean shirt to visit the warden. He also explains that his mom doesn't do the washing anymore—the convicts do.