Escape from Alcatraz (book) facts for kids
Escape from Alcatraz is a non-fiction book from 1963. A non-fiction book tells true stories and facts. This book was written by John Campbell Bruce, a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper. It is all about the famous Alcatraz Penitentiary and the many attempts prisoners made to escape from it. The book was updated in 1976 and again in 2005.
A big part of this book tells the story of a famous escape that happened in June 1962. Three prisoners, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, tried to break out of Alcatraz. Their daring escape story later became the main idea for the movie Escape from Alcatraz, which came out in 1979.
What is Alcatraz?
Alcatraz is a small island in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California. For many years, it was a very famous and tough federal prison. People often called it "The Rock" because it was so hard to escape from. The prison was designed to hold some of the most dangerous criminals. It was thought to be impossible to break out of Alcatraz because of the cold, strong currents of the bay.
The Famous Escape Story
The book Escape from Alcatraz focuses on one of the most well-known escape attempts in history. Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers planned their escape for months. They used simple tools to dig through the walls of their cells. They made fake heads out of soap, toilet paper, and real hair to trick the guards. These fake heads were placed in their beds so guards would think they were sleeping.
On the night of June 11, 1962, the three men slipped out of their cells. They climbed through air vents and pipes. They then made a raft and life vests from raincoats. They launched their raft into the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. What happened to them after that night is still a mystery. The authorities believe they drowned, but their bodies were never found. This makes their story one of the most famous unsolved mysteries.
Why This Book is Important
This book gives readers a close look at the history of Alcatraz. It shares details about the prison and the people who lived there. It also explains the challenges of trying to escape from such a secure place. The story of the 1962 escape has fascinated people for decades. It shows how much people want to be free, even from the toughest prisons. The book helps us understand why this escape attempt became so legendary.
