Meet the student-activists who ignited a groundbreaking Indigenous civil rights movement in the 1960s. Dig into the story of Elliott Michener, who bloomed as a prison gardener at US Penitentiary Alcatraz.
Once a site of incarceration, Alcatraz is now a space for learning, reflection, and connection. No matter your interests or age, these powerful stories are sure to surprise and inspire you.
Read on to learn more...
We Hold the Rock
On November 20, 1969, a small group of Indigenous activists landed on Alcatraz Island, setting in motion one of the defining civil rights movements of the 20th century.
Occupying the island for nineteen months, activists from the Sioux, Creek, Mono, Pomo, Paiute, Navajo, Mohawk, Chippewa, and dozens of other indigenous nations told the world that the time had come for America to make good on its treaties and agreements with their people.
Their work became a landmark event in the American Indian struggle for justice and self-determination. In the words of Wilma Mankiller, former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, the occupation of Alcatraz "relit [the] flame, and out of the fire, all these people spread in different directions to do incredible work."
This captivating volume, featuring interviews with the original occupiers and pages of archival photographs, is the story of how that flame was rekindled.
Alcatraz from Inside
Experience history come to life with this best-selling memoir by Jim Quillen.
At age 22, Jim was on the run from California's San Quentin State Prison. He thought he had made a lucky escape, until he was caught and sentenced to 45 years inside America's toughest prison, US Penitentiary Alcatraz Island...
This captivating memoir tells the true story of life inside the prison, from terrifying times in solitary confinement, to encounters with the notorious "Birdman" of Alcatraz. At once both candid and contemplative, it is an inspiring tale of a young man's journey to find humanity amidst isolation, and hope amidst despair.
Alcatraz 1259
Visitors from around the world love this best-selling memoir written by former Alcatraz prisoner and self-described "bad boy" William Baker.
In 1957, when 23-year-old William ("Bill") Baker stepped onto the Alcatraz dock for the first time, he had no idea what the future held. He never would have guessed that 50 years later, he would return to the island...this time as a celebrated author.
Today, Bill is one of the last living Alcatraz "cons" and delights visitors with stories from his time on the Rock. In Alcatraz 1259, visitors can take this once-in-a-lifetime experience home. Written with Bill's characteristic candor and dry humor, this powerful first-person account of Alcatraz paints a revealing portrait of life at the world's most notorious prison.
Please note: This volume includes a collectable Alcatraz autograph card, signed by the author.
Meet the Author
Formerly incarcerated author William Bake shares tales from his time on the Rock.
Capone: Life Behind Bars at Alcatraz
Nearly three thousand official records document the prison life of Al "Scarface" Capone.
These records—including photographs, rap sheets, personal letters, and more—reveal the personal experiences of a man whose criminal exploits have fascinated the public for nearly a century. An enduring figure of American history, Al Capone embodies the volatility and social upheaval of the "Roaring Twenties"—a ruthless and opportunistic man, living in a heady and dangerous time.
Lovers of history will delight in this carefully crafted volume.
Using authentic archival materials from the National Archives in San Bruno, California, authors Ruth and Mark Brown paint a nuanced and unexpected picture of Capone's life at America's most notorious prison. Learn about the violent, vicious acts committed by the head of Chicago's notorious criminal underworld during the Great Depression, then discover the hopeful tenderness of a loving father and husband longing to be reunited with his family.
Get to know the man behind the mystery in Capone: Life Behind Bars at Alcatraz.
Alcatraz Escape Files
Freedom.
For men locked up in maximum-security, minimum-privilege US Penitentiary Alcatraz, the idea was an obsession. They spent their time thinking about it, dreaming of it, plotting ways to achieve it. Although the odds against their schemes succeeding were high, that didn't stop them from trying. And when it came to ways to get off the island, these men—who had time on their hands and plenty of motivation—came up with some remarkably daring getaway plans.
During the Rock's 29-year history, the Federal Bureau of Prisons documented fourteen separate escape attempts. These reports provide a rare glimpse into the minds of driven men who, consumed by thoughts of freedom, broke out of solitary confinement, slipped away from the dock, used improvised tools to saw through steel bars, and created decoy dummy heads from soap and human hair.
Well-researched and richly illustrated, this engrossing book is a journey through the official files of the Bureau of Prisons. It's a captivating look at exactly how far men will go to break free—sometimes at terrible cost.
NOTE: This book contains descriptions of crime and violence. Its content may not be suitable for all readers.
Alcatraz Dining: Men, Meals & Mayhem
At US Penitentiary Alcatraz (1934-1963), men ate three meals a day in the dining hall. Filled with the entire prison population during mealtimes, the dining hall was considered the most dangerous place on the island.
Filled with dining-related historical photographs and artifacts from the prison's most infamous era, this publication serves up a unique perspective on what everyday life was like for prisoners who lived on the Rock.
Learn about the de-segregation of the island following a kitchen strike in the 1950s. Find out where men hid contraband. Discover historical menus, hi quality photographs, and more.
Alcatraz Bride
Experience Alcatraz history like you never have before with this unexpected story about a young woman's experience on the notorious prison island.
Fifteen-year-old Ann Burrows was excited when she found out that her family would be moving to Alcatraz for her father's career. She had visions of sunny beaches and warm California breezes—a place quite different from her home town of Kansas City, Missouri.
But things didn't turn out quite the way she expected.
In between normal teenage pursuits like school and hobbies, romance unexpectedly blossomed for Ann on the cold and dreary island. Suddenly, her personal life became the subject of international news stories...
This is a memoir by Ann Burrows Eib.
Alcatraz Gardens
More than half a century after America's most infamous prison was shut down, Alcatraz Island's botanical captives have been released from decades of neglect.
Freed by the collective work of the Garden Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, these verdant survivors are living examples of how hope springs eternal, even in the harshest environments.
Discover Alcatraz's award-winning gardens in this beautiful volume. Lush photographs of the restored grounds offer a captivating glimpse into one of Alcatraz's brightest hidden gems.
The Gardener of Alcatraz
A prisoner gardens his way to freedom in this inspiring picture-book biography.
When Elliott Michener was locked away in U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz for counterfeiting, he was determined to defy the odds and bust out. But when he got a job tending the prison garden, a funny thing happened. He found new interests and skills–and a sense of dignity and fulfillment. Elliott transformed Alcatraz Island, and the island transformed him.
Told with empathy and a storyteller’s flair, Elliott’s story is funny, touching, and unexpectedly relevant. Back matter about the history of Alcatraz and the US prison system today invites meaningful discussion.
About the Author
Emma Bland Smith thinks the best thing about writing books is getting to visit lots of cool places for research--like Alcatraz. She is a public librarian, a book blogger, and the author of many children's books, including Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West.
About the Illustrator
Jenn Ely loves a well-told story. She works on animated projects for film and television and illustrates books, such as If You Were a Kid Building a Pyramid. Jenn believes in trying things that might not work because that's what makes you grow.
Alcatraz Believe it or Not
For a small island, Alcatraz has a big reputation.
This book collects the island's strange-but-true stories of escapes, madness, and mayhem. Informative, surprising, and handsomely illustrated, this book is like nothing you've read before.
So dive in and enjoy the swim...
Written by T.C. Bakker, who has been a historic interpreter on Alcatraz for 10 years. Illustrated by Charles House, illustrator and designer for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Warning! May be scary! Some stories are violent and may not be suitable for very young readers.
Looking for more?
Check out these other popular Alcatraz titles.
Alcatraz Biographies and Memoirs
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Book - Alcatraz #1259 (Autographed)
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Book - Alcatraz From Inside
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Escape from Alcatraz Comic Books
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Comic - Escape from Alcatraz: The Claw Hammer Breakout
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Comic - Escape from Alcatraz: The Final Breakout
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