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Prisoner in Alcatraz
No-one gets out of Alcatraz. And now, by a terrible twist of fate, Marty has ended up there. Inside the harshest prison in America. Marty's there for life. Or is he? Some of his fellow inmates have an escape plan. Will it work? Can they manage to break out of Alcatraz? Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Breslin
90 books96 followersTheresa Breslin is a Scottish author of over 50 books, known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. She won the Carnegie Medal in 1994 for Whispers in the Graveyard, which tells the story of a dyslexic boy overcoming personal struggles. Born and raised in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, she started writing as a teenager and later worked as a librarian before becoming a full-time author.
Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.
Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 13, 2022
I’ll read anything that has to do with Alcatraz
December 28, 2012
A High-Low Book – Great for Teenaged Struggling Readers
The Prisoner in Alcatraz in a quick book intended for older, struggling readers. As the mother of a dyslexic teen, I appreciate Stoke Books efforts in this area. Finding titles with high interest content at a lower reading level can be difficult.
I received a complimentary review copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This storyline will keep reader's attention. There is enough going on that students will want to turn pages to know what happens next. I feel male readers will especially enjoy this story of prison life and escape plans. An item to note - this story is written in a slightly conversational tone. The main character, Marty, speaks using old fashioned lingo, which makes sense considering this story takes place many years ago. Phrases such as: hoods, get my drift, on the take, he hasn't the wits, etc are used throughout the story.
I have one wish - that Stoke would offer the Lexile Measurement for their titles. There are many schools in the US that rely on this benchmark and use it daily when examining titles. We are told that the book is at the 4th grade level, but I feel some professionals would like the Lexile Measurement included in the book detail.
Teachers searching for historical fiction to use with their low readers should look to Prisoner in Alcatraz. There are many elements to expand on. I can envision an entire unit based on this book - drawing maps, geography, social issues, homelessness, crime, and gangsters. A nice jumping off point. Thank you Stoke.
The Prisoner in Alcatraz in a quick book intended for older, struggling readers. As the mother of a dyslexic teen, I appreciate Stoke Books efforts in this area. Finding titles with high interest content at a lower reading level can be difficult.
I received a complimentary review copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This storyline will keep reader's attention. There is enough going on that students will want to turn pages to know what happens next. I feel male readers will especially enjoy this story of prison life and escape plans. An item to note - this story is written in a slightly conversational tone. The main character, Marty, speaks using old fashioned lingo, which makes sense considering this story takes place many years ago. Phrases such as: hoods, get my drift, on the take, he hasn't the wits, etc are used throughout the story.
I have one wish - that Stoke would offer the Lexile Measurement for their titles. There are many schools in the US that rely on this benchmark and use it daily when examining titles. We are told that the book is at the 4th grade level, but I feel some professionals would like the Lexile Measurement included in the book detail.
Teachers searching for historical fiction to use with their low readers should look to Prisoner in Alcatraz. There are many elements to expand on. I can envision an entire unit based on this book - drawing maps, geography, social issues, homelessness, crime, and gangsters. A nice jumping off point. Thank you Stoke.
December 16, 2021
Ända sedan Argasso gjorde entré i Sverige har jag gillat deras utgivning. Tycker att böckerna generellt håller väldigt hög kvalitet med tanke på den korta och luftiga texten. Jag har läst Fånge på Alcatraz förr, men tydligen inte skrivit om den. Eftersom jag precis läst om den (en elev behövde hjälp) tänkte jag att det var dags.
Marty har levt ett hårt liv. I ett skjul nära järnvägen har han bott med sin mamma och de klarar livhanken genom att stjäl ur godsvagnar. När Martys mamma dör dör låter han sig övertalas att vara med på ett bankrån. Rånet går snett och på någon minut är Marty dubbelmördare. Ett misslyckat flyktförsök över delstatsgränsen gör att han döms till livstid och ska avtjäna straffet på Alcatraz. Livet på klippön blir inte lättare.
Jag tror att många skulle kunna gilla Fånge på Alcatraz och det utan att "behöva" läsa lättläst. Boken ÄR bra. Jag tycker synd om Marty som har någon slags intellektuell funktionsnedsättning och hela berättelsen har en hård och ödesbestämd känsla.
Rekommenderas.
Marty har levt ett hårt liv. I ett skjul nära järnvägen har han bott med sin mamma och de klarar livhanken genom att stjäl ur godsvagnar. När Martys mamma dör dör låter han sig övertalas att vara med på ett bankrån. Rånet går snett och på någon minut är Marty dubbelmördare. Ett misslyckat flyktförsök över delstatsgränsen gör att han döms till livstid och ska avtjäna straffet på Alcatraz. Livet på klippön blir inte lättare.
Jag tror att många skulle kunna gilla Fånge på Alcatraz och det utan att "behöva" läsa lättläst. Boken ÄR bra. Jag tycker synd om Marty som har någon slags intellektuell funktionsnedsättning och hela berättelsen har en hård och ödesbestämd känsla.
Rekommenderas.
September 19, 2022
Loved this novella! Have read 4 this morning and this outstrips them all for pace, character development, plot, writing, suspense, pathos and for giving me the opportunity to root for an accidental anti-hero!!!
September 4, 2019
Aimed at a new English reader this tale is rather cliched - not really for me.
January 30, 2017
Brilliant, gritty page-turner.
January 30, 2013
Great read for reluctant teens,
I first became aware of Theresa Breslin as the author of Remembrance, set in WWI. It was beautifully written and immediately became one of my favourite books. Now I am pleased to read another title by this author, Prisoner in Alcatraz. This book is very different in that it is written for a young adult audience, specifically those who are reluctant readers. It fills this niche well, keeping the interest throughout and providing a story that would attract boys, in particular.
The main character is Marty King, a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks, who loses his mother and finds himself in a children's home. Two years later he runs away and eventually returns to the shack where he was raised. An old mate from the home talks him into joining him in a raid and from there on, Marty's naiive personality leads him from one scrape to the next, each dragging him futher into a life of crime.
This is quite a moral tale, also an excellent starting point for discussions on history and crime. I found it a little slow in the first few pages but once it got going it had a life of its own. My one complaint would be that it does not give the date in which the narrative is set. It may be expecting a bit too much to assume that young teen readers will know that Alcatraz closed in 1963. Without that knowledge, some of the language will seem a bit dated.
Aside from that, I think this book is well placed within its specialised market. Teen readers whose first language is not English would also enjoy it.
I first became aware of Theresa Breslin as the author of Remembrance, set in WWI. It was beautifully written and immediately became one of my favourite books. Now I am pleased to read another title by this author, Prisoner in Alcatraz. This book is very different in that it is written for a young adult audience, specifically those who are reluctant readers. It fills this niche well, keeping the interest throughout and providing a story that would attract boys, in particular.
The main character is Marty King, a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks, who loses his mother and finds himself in a children's home. Two years later he runs away and eventually returns to the shack where he was raised. An old mate from the home talks him into joining him in a raid and from there on, Marty's naiive personality leads him from one scrape to the next, each dragging him futher into a life of crime.
This is quite a moral tale, also an excellent starting point for discussions on history and crime. I found it a little slow in the first few pages but once it got going it had a life of its own. My one complaint would be that it does not give the date in which the narrative is set. It may be expecting a bit too much to assume that young teen readers will know that Alcatraz closed in 1963. Without that knowledge, some of the language will seem a bit dated.
Aside from that, I think this book is well placed within its specialised market. Teen readers whose first language is not English would also enjoy it.
September 30, 2013
Read more of my reviews on my blog, Fluttering Butterflies
Prisoner in Alcatraz by Theresa Breslin is the story of Marty, a young man who has been sent to Alcatraz, the famous prison off the coast of San Francisco in which famous gangsters like Al Capone went to back in the day. I found it really interesting to read of Marty's experiences that led him to become a prisoner in Alcatraz. It really felt like a series of really unlucky choices that led Marty into the criminal life. And those bad choices continue within the walls of Alcatraz prison as Marty is conned into helping with a prison escape.
I really enjoyed this story. I've visited Alcatraz and seen the conditions that the prisoners dealt with and also noted the distance between where Alcatraz sits on this rock in the San Francisco bay and how far a prisoner would have to travel to get to land. And yet I was on the edge of my seat watching this attempt at escape play out.
What I really liked about Prisoner in Alcatraz is that it seems to highlight the different every day choices that everyone has and the consequences of those actions. Marty's story moved pretty quickly, there was plenty of action to engage readers and by the end I was generally interested in Marty's story and what would become of him. He made some poor choices in life, but my heart went out to him. Very interesting story!
Prisoner in Alcatraz by Theresa Breslin is the story of Marty, a young man who has been sent to Alcatraz, the famous prison off the coast of San Francisco in which famous gangsters like Al Capone went to back in the day. I found it really interesting to read of Marty's experiences that led him to become a prisoner in Alcatraz. It really felt like a series of really unlucky choices that led Marty into the criminal life. And those bad choices continue within the walls of Alcatraz prison as Marty is conned into helping with a prison escape.
I really enjoyed this story. I've visited Alcatraz and seen the conditions that the prisoners dealt with and also noted the distance between where Alcatraz sits on this rock in the San Francisco bay and how far a prisoner would have to travel to get to land. And yet I was on the edge of my seat watching this attempt at escape play out.
What I really liked about Prisoner in Alcatraz is that it seems to highlight the different every day choices that everyone has and the consequences of those actions. Marty's story moved pretty quickly, there was plenty of action to engage readers and by the end I was generally interested in Marty's story and what would become of him. He made some poor choices in life, but my heart went out to him. Very interesting story!
March 20, 2013
I received a free digital copy from Stoke Books by requesting on Netgalley.com
It is your right to have: food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege.
Welcome to Alcatraz, the most notorious prison in America.
Interest age 14+, Reading age 4th grade. Marty is a young, simple man who dreams of growing tomatoes in the warm sun of Mexico. But he gets himself into a bit of trouble when he agrees to help out a friend and ends up in the hardest prison in America: Alcatraz. Marty is sentenced to life, and nobody ever get’s out of Alcatraz. But now there’s a new escape plan – and Marty is the only one that can make it happen. Will Marty break out of Alcatraz – or will life mean life?
This terrifically taut and short novel is targeted for reluctant/struggling readers or children with dyslexia. The interest level is aged 14 and up, while it is at a 4th grade reading level.
It is a very quick interesting read and kept me entertained while it lasted. I like 'prison breaks', so it was in my interest area. I like what one of the characters said, "it's a slippery slope the crime life - one crime follows the other" .. I enjoyed it.
It is your right to have: food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege.
Welcome to Alcatraz, the most notorious prison in America.
Interest age 14+, Reading age 4th grade. Marty is a young, simple man who dreams of growing tomatoes in the warm sun of Mexico. But he gets himself into a bit of trouble when he agrees to help out a friend and ends up in the hardest prison in America: Alcatraz. Marty is sentenced to life, and nobody ever get’s out of Alcatraz. But now there’s a new escape plan – and Marty is the only one that can make it happen. Will Marty break out of Alcatraz – or will life mean life?
This terrifically taut and short novel is targeted for reluctant/struggling readers or children with dyslexia. The interest level is aged 14 and up, while it is at a 4th grade reading level.
It is a very quick interesting read and kept me entertained while it lasted. I like 'prison breaks', so it was in my interest area. I like what one of the characters said, "it's a slippery slope the crime life - one crime follows the other" .. I enjoyed it.
February 1, 2013
There's not much I can say about this book. I can barely call it such. It was so short. It could maybe be considered a novella? It's about this poorly educated guy that gets caught up in a robbery that goes wrong. He ends up killing two innocent people and is set up at the trial. He is sent to Alcatraz as if what he's done is really worth a life sentence there. He goes on to tell us about his childhood and living the poor life with his mom, how he rarely attended school yet managed to become great friends with a teacher, and how he got forced into helping the most feared man on the island, Cut Throat Carter, in an escape attempt. This wasn't my kind of read simply because it was so short and all over the place. The idea was awesome. To write a book in the perspective of an Alcatraz inmate was great and something that really intrigued me. I really hope the author decides to make this short story into something more. I feel it could become a great seller if only there were an actual story to it instead of his random thoughts, feelings, and memories scattered throughout the pages. This was a 2 star book for me.
January 3, 2013
I hadn't actually intended to read this one yet. I opened it up on my Kindle just to check it out and found myself pulled into the story and finished it in one sitting.
Prisoner in Alcatraz was a really quick read that would be a good match for a reluctant teenage boy. The fast paced story never lags and keeps the reader engaged. The sentences are short and conversation like.
Excerpt:
I'd heard all the stories of how tough it was.
And about that Rule Five - the food, water, shelter, medical attention and nothing else things.
How it was full of guys who'd cut you as soon as look at you.
But I was kinda proudful too. I mean, I would be among the big boys now. I hadn't liked it when the judge at my trial had classed me as "a petty thief gone wrong".
"Easily led astray", my lawyer had pleaded in his address to the jury.
It made me look none too bright. As if I didn't have the smarts.
Recommended to reluctant readers age 12 and up.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean
Source: Netgalley
Genre/Reading Level: Historical fiction appropriate for tweens on up. Easier reading level.
Prisoner in Alcatraz was a really quick read that would be a good match for a reluctant teenage boy. The fast paced story never lags and keeps the reader engaged. The sentences are short and conversation like.
Excerpt:
I'd heard all the stories of how tough it was.
And about that Rule Five - the food, water, shelter, medical attention and nothing else things.
How it was full of guys who'd cut you as soon as look at you.
But I was kinda proudful too. I mean, I would be among the big boys now. I hadn't liked it when the judge at my trial had classed me as "a petty thief gone wrong".
"Easily led astray", my lawyer had pleaded in his address to the jury.
It made me look none too bright. As if I didn't have the smarts.
Recommended to reluctant readers age 12 and up.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean
Source: Netgalley
Genre/Reading Level: Historical fiction appropriate for tweens on up. Easier reading level.
February 19, 2013
What first drew me to Prisoner in Alcatraz was that it was written for struggling readers. I hope to one day work as a reading specialist in the upper-elementary or middle school levels to intervene and get kids back on track so any book written for those readers is something I want to get my hands on.
It was a great book; a quick read perfect for those reluctant, struggling readers. The publisher said it’s written for 14-year-olds at a 4th grade level. That seems about perfect! The story was entertaining and exciting and moved right along. I thought it did a good job keeping readers wanting more.
Marty isn’t a bad guy. He just hasn’t had such a good time in his life. He is easily manipulated, which lands him in prison at Alcatraz, the most famous prison in America. Once in prison, he is manipulated once again by people he thought could be his friends. This manipulation is his course in life, and with his “friends’” plan to escape, Marty is dragged in. What happens to Marty and his friends as they try to get off the prison on the rock?
Posted at http://jenniferncrane.wordpress.com/2....
It was a great book; a quick read perfect for those reluctant, struggling readers. The publisher said it’s written for 14-year-olds at a 4th grade level. That seems about perfect! The story was entertaining and exciting and moved right along. I thought it did a good job keeping readers wanting more.
Marty isn’t a bad guy. He just hasn’t had such a good time in his life. He is easily manipulated, which lands him in prison at Alcatraz, the most famous prison in America. Once in prison, he is manipulated once again by people he thought could be his friends. This manipulation is his course in life, and with his “friends’” plan to escape, Marty is dragged in. What happens to Marty and his friends as they try to get off the prison on the rock?
Posted at http://jenniferncrane.wordpress.com/2....
March 11, 2013
Prisoner in Alcatraz By Theresa Breslin
Marty, a teenager who runs away from a children's home in Chicago, dreams of a life growing tomatoes and peppers in the warmth of California or Mexico are destroyed by 20 seconds of blind panic. Life changes dramatically for Marty, when a bank robbery he’s involved in goes horribly wrong resulting in the deaths of two people which results in Marty receiving a life sentence for murder. . Marty escapes in route to prison and flees in a stolen vehicle across State lines. Ultimately he is captured and is transferred to the most notorious federal prison Alcatraz.
Here he is haunted by the memory of his crime, and he comes to experience that cruelty, treachery and intimidation that happens inside prison just as it did in the slums from which he came.
This story although short is a great read for boys who are reluctant readers, because the subject material is so interesting while also providing the excitement required to keep readers satisfied.
Marty, a teenager who runs away from a children's home in Chicago, dreams of a life growing tomatoes and peppers in the warmth of California or Mexico are destroyed by 20 seconds of blind panic. Life changes dramatically for Marty, when a bank robbery he’s involved in goes horribly wrong resulting in the deaths of two people which results in Marty receiving a life sentence for murder. . Marty escapes in route to prison and flees in a stolen vehicle across State lines. Ultimately he is captured and is transferred to the most notorious federal prison Alcatraz.
Here he is haunted by the memory of his crime, and he comes to experience that cruelty, treachery and intimidation that happens inside prison just as it did in the slums from which he came.
This story although short is a great read for boys who are reluctant readers, because the subject material is so interesting while also providing the excitement required to keep readers satisfied.
March 1, 2013
I got an ARC of this book through netgalley, although I don't know so much that it's an advanced copy since it looks like it originally came out in 2004.
Anyway, this book was great. It was a very fast read, and I was hooked right away. The action was fast-paced, and I found myself really interested despite the fact that it wasn't my normal genre of choice. Marty was likeable and I truly felt he was a good guy in a bad situation. I was drawn to it based on the fact that it was written for reluctant readers, or those who have difficulty reading, and I really commend Stoke Books for catering to these needs.
According to the netgalley page this book is written for the interests of 14 y/o and up, but it's written at a 4th grade level. I will say that it was a little difficult to deal with the sentence structure, but it's perfect for it's intended audience and I'm really excited to look more into what Stoke Books has to offer.
Anyway, this book was great. It was a very fast read, and I was hooked right away. The action was fast-paced, and I found myself really interested despite the fact that it wasn't my normal genre of choice. Marty was likeable and I truly felt he was a good guy in a bad situation. I was drawn to it based on the fact that it was written for reluctant readers, or those who have difficulty reading, and I really commend Stoke Books for catering to these needs.
According to the netgalley page this book is written for the interests of 14 y/o and up, but it's written at a 4th grade level. I will say that it was a little difficult to deal with the sentence structure, but it's perfect for it's intended audience and I'm really excited to look more into what Stoke Books has to offer.
February 9, 2015
Advertised as a quick book intended for older, struggling readers, so there is high interest content but a lower reading level.
The novella is fast-paced and has plenty going on to keep the reader interested. I've read Breslin before (The Nostradamus Prophecy) and loved her writing so was all too glad to see how she handled adapting her writing for struggling readers.
The premise behind this novella is very interesting and I think Breslin has done well. My only niggle is that it is extremely short and I hope day it can be expanded.
AZn advance reader copy was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley
The novella is fast-paced and has plenty going on to keep the reader interested. I've read Breslin before (The Nostradamus Prophecy) and loved her writing so was all too glad to see how she handled adapting her writing for struggling readers.
The premise behind this novella is very interesting and I think Breslin has done well. My only niggle is that it is extremely short and I hope day it can be expanded.
AZn advance reader copy was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley
December 27, 2012
This is an excellent short novel to use with kids who don’t like to read or who have problems reading. It is powerful, moves right along, and
there is plenty material here for good discussions and perhaps some
short writing or dictating to writing projects. I am glad that at
least one publisher is aware of this need – hopefully we will see more
novels like this one in the future for these kids – and adults – who
would like to read but find most books too long or not exciting or meaningful enough to read.
there is plenty material here for good discussions and perhaps some
short writing or dictating to writing projects. I am glad that at
least one publisher is aware of this need – hopefully we will see more
novels like this one in the future for these kids – and adults – who
would like to read but find most books too long or not exciting or meaningful enough to read.
July 25, 2014
I love the idea behind this book - to give older kids who have difficulty reading a book appropriate for their age but a little simpler to read. I think the author accomplishes the goal pretty well. The story is good and kept me interested. Besides, what kid wouldn't be interested in a story about a prisoner at Alcatraz?! I'm interested to see how the author progresses from here. [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
January 22, 2013
As a librarian I am always trying to find great quick reads that will hold a middle schooler's, who hates to read, interest. Prisoner in Alcatraz does just that.
Having just visited Alcatraz in Dec 2012 I found this book to a very realistic account of the history of Alcatraz.
Keep up the great work creating high interest low level books that doesn't add language to catch the students attention!
Having just visited Alcatraz in Dec 2012 I found this book to a very realistic account of the history of Alcatraz.
Keep up the great work creating high interest low level books that doesn't add language to catch the students attention!
February 22, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book - it is a good read and a sad and cautionary tale. However I do feel that it is not quite right for the target audience of reluctant and struggling readers. The language is a little too complicated, the story flicks between the past and present and some of the concepts are rather tricky. Working with lots of EAL kids I doubt this book would be suitable for them but it was a lovley read!
July 15, 2014
A very quick and interesting read about an escape from Alcatraz - the planning, the ins and outs of it all, interesting stuff! I've been to Alcatraz once and can only imagine how grim it would have been to be locked up in there.
Read
July 27, 2011I must say that this book was really good, if I'd said something else, It would be a lie.
August 28, 2011
Great for those kids who have difficulty reading 'big' books but don't want 'babyish' stories. I'd probably recommend it to 12year old boys who fall into that category.
March 21, 2013
Fair. Good for struggling readers, with a very fast pace. Lacks development--where is it written that books for struggling readers have to have thin development?
February 5, 2013
Great book for struggling readers!
April 19, 2013
Suitable YA for reluctant readers in Sec school. There is no end moral in the book, i.e. theme of boy turns over a new leaf not prominent so will need to be discussed if used.
May 21, 2013
Ideal for the reluctant reader this short novel was quite engrossing. Breslin's historical research is impeccable and the voice of the young man was such that I had to keep reading.
January 18, 2014
I thought this was a well done hi lo book. Interesting, allows for discussion about mistakes, responsibility, poverty, and peer pressure . This book would be a good option for reluctant readers.
July 25, 2014
well this was dull. For a book about prison escapes and whole lot of derring do this book is static, dull and overwhelmingly futile. such a shame
November 12, 2014
This book was too short to have a great plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews