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.

クリステン・トレイシーは、アルカトラズを単なる遺物ではなく、息遣いを感じさせる「生きた主役」として蘇らせました。鋭い洞察とユーモアを交えた筆致は、凶悪犯の影から先住民の歴史、豊かな自然までを多層的に描き出します。闇に隠れた人間の営みを掬い上げるその視点は、児童書の枠を超えた文学的な深みに満ちています。 映像版が歴史を動的に再現する一方、原作はテキストならではの思考の余白を与えてくれます。精緻な図版と解説が、映像では零れ落ちがちな細部の意味をじっくりと反芻させてくれるのです。両メディアを往復し、冷徹な孤島が多面的な「岩の殿堂」へと変貌する知的興奮を、ぜひ五感で味わってください。