Always Shine Your Own Shoes

The author, Gennifer Choldenko, uses the example of Al Capone shining someone's shoes but then expecting a favor in return to caution readers not to put themselves in a position where they owe others favors. In other words, If you can do something yourself, you should do something yourself.

This advice hits home with Moose given Moose’s own situation with Al Capone. Moose, in desperation, reaches out to Capone for help in getting Natalie into the Marinoff school. Moose does this without thinking. Capone uses his connections to get Natalie in. As a result, Moose now owes Capone a favor. Owing favors is often tough, but with someone like Capone, it is dangerous, the author shows.

Fortunately, the task that Al Capone demands of Moose is relatively simple. Moose must give Mae Capone yellow roses. Moose is able to accomplish the...