Download or read book The Gardener of Alcatraz written by Emma Bland Smith and published by Charlesbridge Publishing. This book was released on 2022-04-05 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. 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.