Michael Jackson

March 1, 2010
Gr 5-8-These titles offer thoughtful overviews of pop-culture icons who died of unnatural causes. Name recognition will likely make the books appealing to young audiences. Each biography discusses the subject's early life, providing details that give insight into later success and troubles and maintaining a laudatory tone that focuses on the individual's artistic achievements and hard work to achieve fame. Details explaining that Jack Nicholson warned Heath Ledger about the Joker role, that young Michael Jackson never got to play with his peers, that John Lennon had no musical training, or that Tupac Shakur was a standout student in high school are bound to resonate with readers. Numerous photos and sidebars appear throughout. Worthwhile resources for reports as well as popular reading."Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2010
Grades 5-8 Though some may find the premise of the Lives Cut Short series ghastly, this evenhanded and educational entry proves its worth. Like many bios on the King of Pop, it begins in the middle: Jacksons single-gloved, moonwalking performance at the 1983 Motown TV special. Pratt then backtracks to the gritty days of the Jackson 5 sharing stages with strippers, and traces Jackson through a career that shattered barriers for black artists, the pinnacle that was Thriller, and the receding of his accomplishments in the face of controversy. The text is wonderfully readable and focuses on the bigger events (the tours, the milestones, the trials), while sidebars on nearly every page delve into the myth and minutia that so frequently landed in tabloids (his changing face, his souring friendship with Paul McCartney, Martin Bashirs documentary). The chapter on his deathincluding speculation about his addictions, details on child custody, and the controversy regarding his burialis surprisingly complete. Plentiful photos, a time line, and an unfairly abridged Important Works page round out the back matter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2010
Each biography opens with a pivotal moment in the performer's career. The texts then move chronologically from the person's childhood to his untimely death, touching on upbringing, setbacks, and accomplishments along the way. The writing occasionally veers into melodrama. The volumes are enhanced by their many photos and clean design. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)