The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story

A prisoner gardens his way to freedom in this inspiring picture-book biography.

When Elliott Michener was locked away in Alcatraz for counterfeiting, he was determined to defy the odds and bust out. But when he got a job tending the prison garden, a funny thing happened. He found new interests and skills--and a sense of dignity and fulfillment. Elliott transformed Alcatraz Island, and the island transformed him.

Told with empathy and a storyteller's flair, Elliott's story is funny, touching, and unexpectedly relevant. Back matter about the history of Alcatraz and the US prison system today invites meaningful discussion.

Author: Emma Bland Smith
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Published: 04/05/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.1lbs
Size: 8.60h x 11.20w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781623541606
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/15/2022 pg. 46
Publishers Weekly 03/28/2022
School Library Journal 04/01/2022 pg. 150
Shelf Awareness 04/22/2022

About the Author
Emma Bland Smith thinks the best thing about writing books is getting to visit lots of cool places for research--like Alcatraz. She is a public librarian, a book blogger, and the author of many children's books, including Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West.

Jenn Ely loves a well-told story. She works on animated projects for film and television and illustrates books, such as If You Were a Kid Building a Pyramid. Jenn believes in trying things that might not work because that's what makes you grow. www.jennely.com @elyjenna