Moose reappears in this fourth book in the Tale from Alcatraz series. While his father is a guard on Alcatraz, Moose once again finds himself living on top of an adult correctional institution in 1936. This historic fiction/sports novel will transport readers to an entirely different time and reality. Moose’s passion for baseball is revealed in the first novel and continues through this the fourth title in the series. Choldenko has created a real character who has family relationships and community interactions that would challenge any adult.

Readers of at least one of the previous novels will support Moose as he navigates his way through the criminal system and society off island. Family members are well depicted and several friends help to draw in readers. This is a book that should be handed to historical novel and sport readers. Add to intermediate school media centers and to public libraries where the previous series titles are collected.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian