The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story

By Emma Bland Smith,

Illustrated by Jenn Ely

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.

Story Locale: Alcatraz, San Francisco, California

Hardcover / Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography / Historical / Law & Crime / Gardening