The Gardener of Alcatraz

Written by Emma Bland Smith · Illustrated by Jenn Ely

Locked away on Alcatraz, a prisoner planning his escape finds something unexpected in the prison garden.

4.4 Goodreads · 429 ratings

40 pages· 630L· AR 3.8 · 0.5 AR pts

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Elliott Michener was sent to Alcatraz for counterfeiting and was determined to break out. But when he got a job tending the prison garden, he found new interests and skills, and a sense of dignity. This picture-book biography tells how one man transformed Alcatraz Island, and how the island transformed him.

From the publisher

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.

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