The Unofficial Alcatraz Handbook: A Complete Guide to the Most Often Asked Questions about "The Rock"

by Kristen Tracy, 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade

112 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Tena Edlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed this off our library's "new books" shelf because it grabbed my attention. I actually used it for First Chapters Friday last week, letting the kids choose which chapters they wanted to hear. I was so interested, I finished the rest of the book. It's hard not to be curious about Alcatraz, and this book provided a lot of cool facts. It was also set up in a way that was engaging, with pictures and little side facts.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good introduction to the government fort, which was turned into a prison and a national park. It contained one question per chapter, an answer, illustrations, and photographs. I was surprised to learn new details about the island that I didn't already know from documentaries, which made me feel more connected and intrigued.

[Christine Crawford]

This is a really informative and easy to digest children's book about Alcatraz. It provides well-rounded information with some nice illustrations. I imagine lots of kids will find this interesting!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look into the answers to the most-often asked questions on Alcatraz tours. Stories that answer our curiosity about who was incarcerated there, how they survived, how many escaped and how, what jobs inmates had at the prison, how it was built and why it closed—among others.

[Ricci Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the info but wish it had included real photos

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read with 20 chapters dedicated to answering questions visitors had about the history of Alcatraz.

I enjoyed getting some background information.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it with Alcatraz that makes us all so fascinated?! Whatever it is made it so I devoured this book. It is written by a past tour guide who shares the top questions she was asked when working and all the answers to these questions. The questions range from escapes to Al Capone to gardening to protests.