num_pages: 40
description: 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.
language: English
title: The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story
publisher: Charlesbridge