Alcatraz: The word means many things to many different people. Before 1848, this island was a wildlife refuge, then a military fort, followed by a military prison. In 1933, the Armed Forces had no more need for it, and gave it to the federal government, when, for 30 years it became a prison for the country’s worst prisoners. Inmates sent to Alcatraz included gangster Al Capone and Robert Stroud, nicknamed the Birdman of Alcatraz, about whom a movie was made. As an island, Alcatraz was considered impossible to escape from; yet, many tried. Between the incredible structure and the freezing waters surrounding it, the few that did attempt to escape and weren’t returned were never seen again. Today, the island is, surprisingly, a tourist attraction. In 2019, almost 2 million people took the ferry to view the remains of this former penitentiary. And, some who visit swear they can “hear” voices, music, even the banjo Al Capone played. Certain guards do not desire to work there overnight. Is it true? Do the spirits of some of the former hardened criminals still linger at Alcatraz? Or, are people just struck by the history of the island? This book is sure to have the reader wonder as to the history of the small, isolated land just a mile off the coast of California. For anyone who can’t visit Alcatraz, this book is the next best thing. Reviewer Rating: 5

Able readers who enjoy historical mysteries and examining all sides of stories will appreciate this series about unexplainable events. Each slim volume opens with an intriguing introduction before laying out known details of the “top secret” in the subsequent three chapters. Each mystery is well-researched, well-written, and fast-paced. The writing is compact and presented in an intelligent, conversational tone, with no sense that students are being talked down to. Historical background is provided for each topic, and several possible explanations are proposed. Students will relish the tantalizing notion that there are things still unknown about these top secrets. The series is stylishly designed to suggest a conspiracy is afoot: volumes’ pages are designed to resemble file folders or dossiers with tabs. Tucked inside are photos and notes with illustrated paper clips attached to some of them. Maximizing the idea of secretiveness are the words “Top Secret” looking as if they’re “stamped” in red ink appearing randomly at the beginnings of volumes, along with occasional redactions. Many captioned, color and black-and-white photos and illustrations, both contemporary and archival, lend quality support to the series.
Additionally, “Solve It” sidebars, providing information expanding on a volume’s topic, encourage students to do creative critical thinking, problem-solving, and occasional research. Another interesting special feature is a “Declassified” page which adds extra details about the featured mystery. Back matter material includes a timeline, glossary (no pronunciation guides), “Learn More” (a bibliography of books and websites) and an index. VERDICT Solid facts and intriguing content make this a good purchasing choice for school and public libraries.