I absolutely loved this book and plan on purchasing for my classroom as soon as possible! The story centers around Elliott Michener, who was arrested for counterfeiting and sent to Alcatraz prison. He was bound and determined to bust out and escape, however he learned that he has a unique skill of gardening. With his knowledge, he transformed Alcatraz prison and many of the gardens that the planted still exist today (others are being replanted and fixed).
This book has wonderful illustrations that captivate the reader. The story is very unique and, of course, I love when stories like this include more nonfiction details and pictures after the story. Very well done!

This is a lovely story about the power of purpose in the most unlikely of places. The story is engaging and the backmatter is informative and relevant. I liked the photos to show the garden and the gardener.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Gardener of Alcatraz is an illustrated children's book telling the true story of Elliot Michener who was a prisoner in Alcatraz after counterfeiting money. Elliot makes a good choice whilst in prison there and gets rewarded by being able to work in the gardens. Elliot discovers a new meaning to life from his work in the gardens and this then moves him in a different and unexpected direction in his life. The illustrations fit the topic of the book very well and this is an interesting and different subject matter for children about a true event and real person. At the back of the book there are notes from the author about the history of Alcatraz.

'The Gardener of Alcatraz' by Emma Bland Smith with illustrations by Jenn Ely is the true story of Elliott Michener in picture book format.

When Elliott Michener was caught counterfeiting and sent to Alcatraz, all he could think about was escaping. What happened instead was an opportunity that transformed his life and the island around Alcatraz.

I loved this story of hope and beauty and a man who truly changed his life. The illustrations are also fabulous. The story is followed by a brief biography with pictures.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Charlesbridge and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Picture books seldom address prison at all, much less alternative theories of incarceration and rehabilitation. In telling the story of Elliot Michener, though, Smith has done exactly that. We see both the healing power of nature and the positive affects of finding purpose and fulfillment in a person's life. The narrative is easy enough to follow and is accompanied by cheerful and expressive illustrations. The underlying messages are a bit deeper and give an older child ideas of social justice and the implications of the carceral system to reflect upon

This was such a lovely inspiring story as well as being extremely interesting for someone fascinated by Alcatraz. It is beautifully illustrated and left me with a heart warming feeling and will go back to this when I want to be lifted. This is a story which can be enjoyed by children and adults with a wonderful message.

An unexpected story of the famous Alcatraz prison' flowerbeds, How a prisoner turned his life of being a bad person into one of those amazing gardeners. Heartwarming and encouraging, the true story does move me. That anyone can change into a good person they're meant to be.

How interesting!!! Wonderful redemption story. I had heard of the gardener of Alcatraz but that was all I knew. This book tells about the bad things he did and how he turned his life around.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. The true story of an inmate at Alcatraz turned into a great gardener.

As someone who has always been fascinated with Alcatraz and who has worked in the prison system, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story by Emma Bland Smith. The story focuses on a prisoner’s journey to freedom which focuses on transformation and growth. Beautifully written and illustrated. Highly recommended. #TheGardenerofAlcatraz #NetGalley

Wow! I loved this book so much. The colorful illustrations on the cover and the catchy title are what drew me to this book. I was very curious to read it because I would never have guessed I would see the words Alcatraz and gardener in the same sentence.

Looking back on my childhood and days as an elementary school teacher, I can say that both the cover and title definitely will draw many little readers to it as well. The author tells the story of Elliot Michner in a way that is easy for children to understand while still being informative. I also think little readers will enjoy seeing the illustrations and colors literally change from dull to full of color as Elliot changes his life for the better.

While the intended audience is children, I found this book to be very engaging and educational even for adults. Before reading this biography, I hadn't ever heard of Elliot Michener or even known there are gardens at Alcatraz. However, I think what I found most impressive is that I found the book and Elliot's story to be quite touching and didn't really expect to feel so sad when it came to an end.

Truly, this is a beautiful book and is worth having in your library.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Certainly a different book but in a good way! Really cool book with a cool, different story! Liked the artwork as well!

What an amazing story!!! I had never heard this story and it was really enjoyable to read about how making and tending a garden changed a mans life and this book will be good to show whomever is reading it that it IS possible to change a bad behavior to a good one and that just because you've done something wrong in the past does not mean that needs to define you your whole life.

This is lovingly illustrated and the illustrations just add to the story and brings it to life with all the colors of the flowers against the gray of the prisons.

A must read for anyone who loves history and a little known feel good story. Well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Bland Smith, Jenn Ely [Illustrator], and Charlesbridge for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely true story about a prisoner in Alcatraz who, after initially planning his escape, makes the decision to accept his punishment and try to make the best of it. When he finds a key and hands it in, he earns the trust of the guards and is allowed to take care of the gardens across the island. He learns more and more about the subject and soon gains a reputation as a talented gardener. He makes some unlikely friends and eventually leaves prison and makes a life out of his new skills and knowledge.

This is a lovely story about the power of nature and the ability for someone to turn their life around, with self-belief and the right support.

This was an interesting story about a real prisoner from Alcatraz (Elliott Michener) and the gardens that changed his life. I like that getting assigned to the gardens started with him making a choice to return a lost key and that the small decision he made lead to massive changes in his life. Someday, I would like to go visit the gardens and walk in Elliott's foot steps and try to see the beauty he saw.
I thought the timelines and history provided at the end of the book were interesting as well.

Such a wholesome book! I am totally in love. 'The Gardener of Alcatraz' masterfully written by Emma Bland Smith focuses on positivity, hope, astonishing twists and turns of life as well as the long-lasting, healing effects of plants and friendships. We follow Elliott Michener who is on his way to Alcatraz as a prisoner for counterfeiting. He had almost perfected his escape plan when fate took charge and he found himself on a different path. The more he spent time in caring for the plants in Alcatraz, the more meaningful his life became. In the end, Alcatraz turned out to be his savior changing his life for good. The illustrations are gorgeous and realistic depicting many different emotions precisely. It also conveys relevant information on Alcatraz and the history behind its formation. I just can't get enough. It is emotionally engaging and uplifting. A must read.

Heartiest gratitude to Netgalley and the author for providing me an e-copy in exchange of honest opinion.

Truly awesome story. The illustrations were beautiful. My homeschooler and I thought the story was uplifting and we loved that the gardens are still there today. Thank you NetGalley!

The Gardener of Alcatraz by Emma Bland Smith tells the story of Elliott Michener, who was sent to prison because he printed counterfeit money. Elliott initially wanted to try to escape prison, but decided it would be better if he was a model prisoner. One day when he was working on the prison grounds, he discovered a key. He turned the key in and was seen as being honest and trustworthy. The people at the prison decides that Elliott could help with the gardens. He created beautiful gardens. After a few years, he started working at the Warden’s home. He was eventually sent to a lower security prison and released on good behavior. He married and continued to work in gardening/ landscaping. The garden helped transform Elliott and the gardens. There is also a historic of Alcatraz and the gardens.
This would be a good book to have on hand for counselors who work with children who may have family members who are incarcerated. It shows that Elliott changed while he was in prison, learned new skills, and eventually led a happy fulfilled life out of prison.

This is my new favorite children’s nonfiction book. I love this story- the empathy and kindness and hope that fuels every page. My heart was pierced by the language and illustrations. What an important book!

This book covers a lot of topics. I am sometimes asked for books about incarceration, so I will add this to the list. The book will also be of interest to patrons interested in the history of Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay Area tourist attractions, stories about growth and change, and gardening. The bibliography at the back also had helpful information for further learning.

This will equally appeal to adults and children. The artwork is beautiful.