Comment on language/style

Gennifer Choldenko tells her novel in language that is simple and straightforward, and which is tinged with 1930s-era slang. This is done for several reasons. First, because the novel is narrated by an average 12-year-old boy (though one who lives on Alcatraz Island), it is only natural the language used be simple and straightforward in order to realistically reflect his characterization. Additionally, this is done because the target audience of the novel is in the same age range. The language used must be reflecting of their age and level of education. The 1930s-era slang, such as use of terms and phrases like “pig in a poke,” “paddy wagon,” and “slippery as eels in axle grease,” occurs because the novel itself takes place in 1935. Terms and phrases common before, and originating in that era would be in common use among the kids of that day as they are in the novel, and so give the novel a more realistic and authentic feel.