Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
Examples of Quotes from Al Capone Does My Shirts
"You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to."
"I get a sinking feeling in my gut. There were 237 electricians who applied for the job my dad got. If it were me, I'd have kept my mouth shut about having a daughter like Natalie."
"It's so nice to have my dad again. I was angry at him for looking for a job up here and antry all over again when he found one. I've been angry at my mom for making us do this, and at Pete and all my friends at home because I had to move away and they didn't. I've been mad at everyone except Natalie. I always try really hard not to get angry at her."
"I can't get over this. I keep thinking about when Al Capone was a baby. I'll bet his mama sang him the same song she sang to Rocky. I'll bet she held his hand when they crossed the street, packed his lunch for school and sewed his name in his jacket - A. Capone so everyone would know it was his. I'll bet she wishes she could do it all over again too . . . if only Al were little and she could."
"My father presses his lips so hard together, they turn white. The tears are falling again, so fast, it looks as if he can't see. He puts his arm around me and pulls me to Natalie. He puts his other arm around her. "I am" - he wipes at his eyes with his shoulder so he doesn't have to let go of us - "so very proud of my children. So very proud." A sob escapes his chest. "What wonderful people you've grown to be.""
"You did it because you believed in your heart it was the right thing to do. You were doing what you thought would help your sister."
"And, Moose? There's something I wanted to tell you too, dear. When Natalie and I are working together and I see I'm starting to lose her, I always say, 'What do you think MOose is doing right now?' And lately, she's been able to stay with me . . . I thought you might like to know how important you are to her."
"Now I understand. When you love someone, you have to try things even if they don't make sense to anyone else."
""Dad, . . . did I cause Natalie to be the way she is?" The question seems to come from somewhere deep inside of me . . . "Something I did? You said she got worse when she was three. That's when I was born. Was it me?" . . . ."Moose," My dad grabs my shoulders and he looks straight into my eyes. "I don't know," he says, taking a teary breath, "what caused Natalie to be [the way she is]. I don't think anyone knows that. But I do know this . . . Absolutely for sure it had nothing, nothing at all to do with you.""
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies your favorite quote or scene in Al Capone Does My Shirts. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Al Capone Does My Shirts.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
Examples of Quotes from Al Capone Does My Shirts
"You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to."
"I get a sinking feeling in my gut. There were 237 electricians who applied for the job my dad got. If it were me, I'd have kept my mouth shut about having a daughter like Natalie."
"It's so nice to have my dad again. I was angry at him for looking for a job up here and antry all over again when he found one. I've been angry at my mom for making us do this, and at Pete and all my friends at home because I had to move away and they didn't. I've been mad at everyone except Natalie. I always try really hard not to get angry at her."
"I can't get over this. I keep thinking about when Al Capone was a baby. I'll bet his mama sang him the same song she sang to Rocky. I'll bet she held his hand when they crossed the street, packed his lunch for school and sewed his name in his jacket - A. Capone so everyone would know it was his. I'll bet she wishes she could do it all over again too . . . if only Al were little and she could."
"My father presses his lips so hard together, they turn white. The tears are falling again, so fast, it looks as if he can't see. He puts his arm around me and pulls me to Natalie. He puts his other arm around her. "I am" - he wipes at his eyes with his shoulder so he doesn't have to let go of us - "so very proud of my children. So very proud." A sob escapes his chest. "What wonderful people you've grown to be.""
"You did it because you believed in your heart it was the right thing to do. You were doing what you thought would help your sister."
"And, Moose? There's something I wanted to tell you too, dear. When Natalie and I are working together and I see I'm starting to lose her, I always say, 'What do you think MOose is doing right now?' And lately, she's been able to stay with me . . . I thought you might like to know how important you are to her."
"Now I understand. When you love someone, you have to try things even if they don't make sense to anyone else."
""Dad, . . . did I cause Natalie to be the way she is?" The question seems to come from somewhere deep inside of me . . . "Something I did? You said she got worse when she was three. That's when I was born. Was it me?" . . . ."Moose," My dad grabs my shoulders and he looks straight into my eyes. "I don't know," he says, taking a teary breath, "what caused Natalie to be [the way she is]. I don't think anyone knows that. But I do know this . . . Absolutely for sure it had nothing, nothing at all to do with you.""
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies your favorite quote or scene in Al Capone Does My Shirts. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Al Capone Does My Shirts.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Favorite Quote from Al Capone Does My Shirts
Encourage Deeper Thinking with Class Quote Discussions
Foster critical thinking and classroom community by initiating a group discussion where students share their chosen quotes and explain their meanings. This helps students appreciate diverse perspectives and build communication skills.
Set Clear Expectations for Sharing
Let students know they should be respectful listeners and be ready to support their reasons for choosing a quote. Model active listening before the discussion starts to set a positive tone.
Use Think-Pair-Share to Prepare
Have students first jot down their thoughts about their quote, then discuss with a partner before sharing with the full class. This builds confidence and helps all students organize their ideas.
Facilitate Open-Ended Questions
Guide the discussion with open-ended prompts like, "What does this quote mean to you?" or "Why do you think this part stood out?" Encourage students to reflect and connect personally.
Celebrate Different Perspectives
Point out when students interpret the same quote differently. Highlight how personal experiences shape our understanding of literature and create a supportive environment where all ideas are valued.
Frequently Asked Questions about Favorite Quote from Al Capone Does My Shirts
What are some meaningful quotes from Al Capone Does My Shirts for students?
Al Capone Does My Shirts features many powerful quotes, such as “You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you’re me. I came here because my mother said I had to.” These quotes can help students connect emotionally to the characters and themes.
How can I use quotes from Al Capone Does My Shirts in a classroom activity?
You can have students choose a favorite quote or scene, create an illustration, and write a short explanation about its meaning to them. This activity encourages personal reflection and text-to-self connections.
What is the purpose of picking a favorite quote from Al Capone Does My Shirts?
Selecting a favorite quote allows students to express what resonates with them personally, demonstrate understanding of the book’s characters and themes, and participate in meaningful classroom discussions.
What should students include in their storyboard about a quote from Al Capone Does My Shirts?
Students should include the chosen quote or scene, an illustration representing it, and 1–2 sentences explaining what the quote means to them. This helps deepen comprehension and creativity.
Why is discussing different perspectives on the same quote important in literature lessons?
Discussing different perspectives shows students that everyone interprets literature differently based on personal experiences. This enriches classroom dialogue and fosters empathy and critical thinking.
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Al Capone Does My Shirts
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