Selected as a Top Ten Title in the Margins Book Award Program, honoring books that authentically represent the lived experiences of incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and system-impacted youth. Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay is notorious for its prison, which held some of the world's most dangerous criminals. But it was also home to more than 100 children and their parents who worked at the prison. Engaging narrative, historical photos, primary sources, and more will give readers an inside look at daily life on Alcatraz and the children who called it home. A slim, kid-friendly volume on what it was like to be a child growing up on the infamous prison island. Smith takes readers on a tour of Alcatraz Island, focusing more on the families of the guards who lived there rather than on the inmates. In its heyday in the 1930s, there were approximately 60-90 families and 75-100 children living there. The black-and-white and color photos of smiling kids, holiday parties, and pets (including the warden's dog, Pat) are juxtaposed with images of the concrete walls, barbed wire, and Al Capone and will intrigue readers. The engaging narrative demonstrates how such a grim place could still serve as a home for many, often more convenient than living on the mainland of San Francisco. The young residents of this small, villagelike community felt as if they were one family. The design is dynamic, making the work even more accessible. Small tidbits of information, such as how in 1933 a girl was the first person to swim the one mile from the island to the mainland, and how the island's first color TV fell into the water, will amuse readers. Sidebars on more serious topics, such as the most famous prison escape and the Battle of Alcatraz are also featured. Back matter includes a glossary, time line, further reading, index, and sources. Pull quotes, colorful chapter headers, and lots of white space make this a prime choice for reluctant and striving readers. VERDICT Purchase for high interest nonfiction shelves, for both browsing and reports.--Shelley M. Diaz "School Library Journal" During the first half of the twentieth century, Alcatraz, the prison that housed legendary criminals like Al Capone, was a gloomy concrete fort situated on an almost inaccessible island off the foggy coast of San Francisco. It was also, according to the children of the prison guards who lived there, a perfect playground set in the midst of a close, loving community. This inviting history reads like a fond memoir, with brief informative passages about logistical information (administration, staffing, security) mixed in with scenes from everyday life: running to meet the ferry every morning to go to school, roller skating on the old parade grounds, trick-or-treating, and caroling. There are several quotes from former kid residents sharing fond memories (including a chance encounter with Al Capone himself) mixed in with all kinds of archival photographs and other graphics supported by satisfying, detailed captions. Researchers will appreciate the helpful time line, glossary, and lists of resources; just about everyone will enjoy this story of growing up in special, if unconventional, circumstances.--Kathleen McBroom "Booklist" Emma Bland Smith is the award-winning author of thirteen books for children. Her first book, Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West, won Bank Street College’s Cook Prize and Northland College’s SONWA award. Emma is a librarian and lives in San Francisco with her husband, two kids, dog, and cat. Emma finds inspiration in the beautiful world around her, and believes that one of the best things about being an author is getting to visit wonderful places--and then craft stories about them.