This was a real person. Elliot was originally a criminal in Alcatraz for counterfeiting money. But he used his time wisely to learn a skill and grow not just a garden, but a love of gardening. This book is extremely well done. The story is engaging and interesting. I also like that this book shows there is life after prison. Rehabilitation is possible if allowed. Good things can come out of bad events. ( )

Nonfiction picture book biography about Elliot Michener, prisoner # AZ-578 at Alcatraz- the toughest prison in the country. As Elliot plotted how to escape the unescapable prison, walking the grounds picking up handballs when he stumbled upon a key. Instead of keeping the key Elliot decided to turn in to the guards and was rewarded with a new job, the gardener of Alcatraz. Elliot used his new job to start hatching a plan and a device that would allow him to swim to shore. But Elliot soon found such a love for gardening that he no longer wanted to escape. But his story doesn't end there...... ( )

Very interesting ( )