The Unofficial Alcatraz Handbook: A Complete Guide to the Most Often Asked Questions about the Rock
by Kristen Tracy (Author) Anika Orrock (Illustrator)
Get to know the history and mysteries of Alcatraz Island, home to one of the world's most famous prisons. This landmark off the coast of San Francisco was once home to many well-known criminals, including Al Capone.
Former Alcatraz Island volunteer and seasoned author Kristen Tracy takes young readers on an adventure through the historic prison's grounds in this dynamically illustrated book packed with interesting facts and important stories. From individual cells in the Main Cellhouse to the ruins of the Warden's House, readers will get an in-depth tour of the island and its buildings. Tracy also shares important stories about how Alcatraz got its name, famous escape attempts, the gardens and the birds of the island, as well as the Native American groups who once occupied "The Rock."
Award-winning illustrator Anika Orrock highlights the island's beautiful (and also grim) history with stunning artwork that brings to life this mysterious island. Author Kristen Tracy brings her personality-filled writing to a classic topic sure to be a hit with young readers. Written with a sharp eye for detail and an occasionally comedic voice, this book provides curious kids with a compact yet thorough history of America's most notorious prison island.
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Gr 5 Up--Tracy, a former volunteer gardener working on Alcatraz Island, asks and answers 20 questions about "The Rock" and its prisoners, wardens, and guards. In a first-person introduction, Tracy explains what led her to work on the island and how she ended up acting as a sort of docent, helping visitors with directions, etc. Questions include," Was Alcatraz really a military fort?"; "What type of jobs did the prisoners have?"; "Are there really dungeons under Alcatraz?" Some famous prisoners are identified, with the most notorious, Al Capone, given a lot of attention. So are escape attempts. "You Can Still See It Today" boxes complement each chapter. This could prove helpful to tourists. The writing is thorough and inviting, at times even chatty, while peppered with cartoon illustrations and a few photographs. Tracy offers a thoughtful, personal conclusion to finish off the text. There is an extensive bibliography, but no index. The table of contents is useful. VERDICT A thrilling historical account useful for report writing, those planning to visit the island, and entertainment.--Anne Chapman Callaghan
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kristen Tracy is a former teacher, a poet, a winner of the Emily Dickinson First Book Award from the Poetry Foundation, and an author of numerous books for children including I Am Picky: Confessions of a Fussy Eater, I Am Friendly: Confessions of a Helpful Bear, and the middle-grade novel Don't Trust the Cat. She lives in Santa Clarita with her family.
Federico Fabiani is an illustrator and graphic designer with a background in architecture. He was born and raised in Rome, and currently lives near Venice with his family and the Standard Issue Cat Agostino. He also illustrated Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO.JNF025260 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Symbols, Monuments, National Parks, Etc.
