What is Alcatraz? Why has the Flanagan family moved there? What purpose does the island serve? For what purpose does the Flanagan family move there? Who is housed on that island? What is famous about some of the inhabitants of the island? Where is Alcatraz? Is it still there? In what capacity?

Who is Moose Flanagan? Why is he unhappy living on Alcatraz? Why does Moose want to return to his old home? Why can he not do this? How does Moose feel when he begins school? How does Moose feel when Piper accuses his sister of being stupid? How does Moose feel about Piper? How do these feelings change over the course of the novel? How does Moose change over the course of the novel?

Who is Natalie Flanagan? Why is she special? What school does her mother want her to attend? For...