McNeil Island in Washington state was the home of the last prison island in the United States, accessible only by air or sea. It was also home to about fifty families, including Colleen Frake’s. Her parents—like nearly everyone else on the island—both worked in the prison, where her father was the prison’s captain and her mother worked in security. In this engaging graphic memoir, a Xeric and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist, Colleen Frakes, tells the story of a typical girl growing up in atypical circumstances.

Colleen Frakes received an Ignatz Award for "Promising New Talent" for her book, Woman King. She has created comics for Mirage Studio's Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dark Horse Comics.  
 

“This is a charming story that just goes to show that, no matter where you live, a family is a family. I think that Frakes has an endearing drawing style and great enthusiasm for sharing some slice-of-life observations. And she provides a positive and realistic portrait of living in close vicinity to a prison.” –Comics Grinder
 
“Full of heart, humor and an interesting look at a typical teen living a not so typical life, Prison Island is a fun entry point into the memoir category. It’s also a great book to put into the hands of reluctant readers.”—Teen Librarian Toolbox
 
“Frakes's loose b&w cartooning and straightforward dialogue provide a solid sense of both McNeil's history and the peculiarities of life on a prison island (such as having to lock up pool toys that could potentially be used in an escape). . .  the overall tone of the book is nostalgic and melancholy, a highly specific example of the idea that one can't go home again.”—Publishers Weekly
 
“[A]n interesting look into a pretty unique childhood, and it’s definitely worth a read for fans of graphic memoirs.”—Stacked Books

“This memoir should appeal to middle grade and high school readers, especially those curious about different social structures and relationships and how the living environment influences them.”--VOYA