My sister recently visited Alcatraz and was telling me about the guards and their families who lived on the island during its time as a federal prison. I didn’t know much about this aspect of Alcatraz history, so instantly wanted to learn more. It was perfect timing when I randomly discovered this book – I had to read it!

This is perfect for the young audience it’s written for, yet adults can easily read it too. I would’ve devoured it as a kid, though still enjoyed it (and didn’t feel dumbed down) as an adult. It respects young people’s intelligence, while providing enough interesting facts to hold their attention. I’ve always loved books with this kind of layout – a combination of pictures with memorable pieces of information ensured I learned plenty.

Is it possible for a book on Alcatraz to be wholesome? Emma has proved it so! The kids of Alcatraz had an idyllic childhood in their close-knit community, despite living beside the toughest criminals in the country. I was amazed to learn more than 100 children resided on the island, along with their families – and even the warden’s dog, Pat.

Emma captured the atmosphere of San Francisco Bay, along with the contrasting environments of the family community and inmate lives. Occasionally, the two overlapped, which made for some of my favourite moments.

When it comes to books on Alcatraz, you don’t expect to read about kids shaking hands with Al Capone, or to see photos of Christmas parties – but that’s the beauty of this one. It highlights a different, often untold side to the notorious former prison – something which makes it a joy to read for audiences of all ages.

Great informative book. It is a children’s book , however it is also great for information for adults as well. I had no idea that there were families that lived in the shadow of. Alcatraz . I would recommend this book .

This is a well-presented, simple look at what life was like living on Alcatraz, not for the prisoners, but for the families of the guards working there. The high levels of security made the island feel very safe and the children grew up with a lot more freedom than those living on the mainland. For many, this was a very positive experience and there are other related folks mentioned in the back, with other books to try.

As an adult I hadn’t realized that families and children lived on Alcatraz. So when I saw this book I found it very intriguing to learn more. Why would families have to live on Alcatraz? Weren’t they scared? Was there a school on the island? How big was the island? All of these questions and more get answered in Growing Up in the Shadow of Alcatraz. Children (and adults) will especially enjoy the many pictures that help support the interesting information.

This book is perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy history and unique settings. It’s great for kids curious about lesser-known historical tidbits, as well as for educators and parents looking for engaging, educational material. I also think fans of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic look at life on Alcatraz Island. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Ever wondered what it was like for children to grow up on Alcatraz Island—a place known for its infamous prison and the world's most dangerous criminals? Well, I was definitely curious!

This 32-page middle-grade picture book gives a peek into the everyday lives of more than 100 kids who grew up on Alcatraz Island, where their parents worked at the prison. With a blend of captivating storytelling, historical photos, and real-life sources, Smith brings their unique experience to life. The book explores themes like resilience, community, and how these kids balanced their childhoods with the shadow of a notorious prison in the background.

Emma Bland Smith's writing is both easy to follow and vivid, making complex historical topics easy for middle-grade readers.

This book is perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy history and unique settings. It’s great for kids curious about lesser-known historical tidbits, as well as for educators and parents looking for engaging, educational material. I also think fans of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic look at life on Alcatraz Island.

I really enjoyed reading Growing Up in the Shadow of Alcatraz! This picture book shares a unique side of Alcatraz's history, beyond the prison. I was surprised to learn that families of the employees that lived on the island made fond memories living there. It was fascinating to read about what their day to day life was like.

The book is well organized, with great graphics and easy to read stats. I liked that one picture showcased where everything was on the island and that there was a timeline of important events. It was fun learning about daily life for inmates, employees and their families. It's amazing how much fun the families had, despite being surrounded by a prison!

The language is not too complex making it perfect for kids. And for words children may not know, there's words in bold throughout the book, that are defined in a glossary at the end. I would recommend this book for kids maybe from grades 4 to 8. But even as an adult, I learned new things so this book would be great for many different ages. If you and/or an older child are interested in learning about the children and their families who lived at Alcatraz, make sure to pick up a copy when the book releases!