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!