pick4 ⭐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.
pickI first met author Kristina McMorris at the Kentucky Book Festival in 2018 when she was on book tour for Sold on a Monday. She also had copies of this book, The Edge of Lost. My attention was immediately drawn to the cover; not only is it beautiful, it contains a picture of Alcatraz! Alcatraz is a sentimental place for me. Sounds weird, I know. Go to https://abookandadog.com where I explain, review this amazing book, and more!
pick#middlegrademarch #serieslove2023
I absolutely adored this series, so we‘ll done. It‘s 1930‘s San Francisco where Moose lives with his family on Alcatraz island where his dad works as a prison guard. Choldenko does an awesome job combining a fictional mystery with real life facts about what life was like living on an island with Americas most notorious criminals. Sad it‘s the final installment but glad I‘ve finally completed it.
pickThinking about teaching this one to my 6th graders and incorporating some informational texts about Alcatraz, the Depression, and Autism. The title irked me until I read the author‘s note that the title was a phrase used by Army officers stationed in San Francisco. An interesting, quick read.
pickThis is a first hand account of life at Alcatraz as an inmate, I enjoyed the insight given and the stories of prison life.
I found the book easy to read, each chapter is a story in itself which means it's easy to continue if you leave it for a while.
He has a great sense of humour throughout and it kept my interest.
#adventrecommends
I have a fascination with Alcatraz prison so I figured I‘d give this book and the series a go. I was not disappointed. It‘s a fun blend of fact and fiction about life as a prison guards kid on the island living just feet away from the prison and it‘s notorious prisoners. Such an interesting and charming read.
May #wrapup
May was a great month for middle grade reads! I adored the Al Capone books and they were my favorite of the month.
