The Gardener of Alcatraz
Author | : Emma Bland Smith |
Publisher | : Charlesbridge Publishing |
Total Pages | : 40 |
Release | : 2022-04-05 |
ISBN-10 | : 9781632899453 |
ISBN-13 | : 1632899450 |
Rating | : 4/5 (53 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: 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.