# The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story - Hardcover

by **Emma Bland Smith** (Author), **Jenn Ely** (Illustrator)

**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.

### Author Biography

Emma Bland Smith thinks the best thing about writing books is getting to visit lots of cool places for research--like Alcatraz. She is a public librarian, a book blogger, and the author of many children's books, including _Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West_.

Jenn Ely loves a well-told story. She works on animated projects for film and television and illustrates books, such as _If You Were a Kid Building a Pyramid_. Jenn believes in trying things that might not work because that's what makes you grow. www.jennely.com @elyjenna

**Number of Pages:** 40

**Dimensions:** 0.7 x 8.6 x 11.2 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** April 05, 2022

## Details

- **Price:** 17.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 17.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story - Hardcover

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