First published 2026
Lin-Manuel Miranda transformed from a sensitive child in an immigrant Manhattan neighborhood into the most celebrated musical storyteller of his generation. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner traces this artistic evolution through extensive interviews with Miranda's family, friends, mentors, and the creator himself. The author examines how Miranda developed his distinctive voice by blending his Latino heritage with hip-hop, pop, and traditional Broadway sounds. Rather than being born with natural talent, Miranda succeeded through relentless creativity and collaboration with others. Pollack-Pelzner follows Miranda's path from early high school and college productions to his Tony and Grammy victories for In the Heights and Hamilton, his chart-topping Disney songs for Moana and Encanto, and his Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Genius Grant recognition. The book reveals how Miranda pioneered fresh methods for telling American stories and reaching diverse audiences. With complete access to Miranda's inner circle, this origin story captures the experiences that molded him as an artist and shows how cultural synthesis and bold partnerships redefined musical theater for the modern era.
Genres: biography, american, music, cultural-studies
Vibes: celebratory, inspirational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-synthesis, found-family, rags-to-riches
Setting: Manhattan, Broadway
Period: 21st-century
400 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster