by Megan Stine
First published 2015
Michael Jackson entered the world in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958, but his childhood ended almost before it began. By age eight, he was already performing as a superstar with The Jackson 5, captivating audiences with his pitch-perfect voice. As he grew older, Jackson transformed into a solo artist who would claim the title King of Pop. His creative genius produced innovations like the Moonwalk, dance moves so impressive they earned praise from his own idol, Fred Astaire. Yet behind the glittering performances lay a deeply troubled individual, wrestling with personal demons while maintaining unwavering dedication to his craft. Jackson's story continued right up to his death in 2009, just before he was set to embark on a much anticipated tour. Even today's young people, who know him only through video recordings, find themselves drawn to his magnetic presence. Megan Stine presents Jackson's complex life with sensitivity and balance, neither glossing over his struggles nor diminishing his extraordinary artistic achievements.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, african-american, biography-memoir, music, 21st-century, musicians
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: celebrity, rags-to-riches
Setting: Gary, Indiana
Period: 1958, 2009
112 pages · Paperback · Penguin Workshop
Content warnings: mental-illness