Michael Jackson

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-This biography carefully chronicles the pop star's phenomenal career, but downplays his eccentricities, scandals, and dysfunctional family. Quotations from Jackson's autobiography, Moonwalk (Doubleday, 1989), and television interviews are woven into the text. Although the performer's words enliven the portrait, they offer no special insights into the mystique of his reclusive life. Ample space is devoted to his many show-biz triumphs, but discussion of the investigation into allegations that he sexually molested a 13-year-old boy is limited to three sentences. Black-and-white photographs of the Jackson Five, Jackson on his own, and other recording stars appear throughout. While the index is generally accurate, it contains one glaring error-the subject's mentor is indexed under Berry (his first name) instead of Gordy (his last name). This succinct volume will appeal to fans who find the length of Jackson's autobiography off-putting.-Pat Katka, San Diego Public Library

Merri Monks

This straightforward entry in the Black Americans of Achievement series tells the story of the popular singer's life, from his birth and early childhood in Gary, Indiana, to the allegations of child sexual abuse brought against him in late 1993. Nicholson emphasizes the close Jackson family ties, the boys' hard work, and Michael's profound loneliness. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs; a chronology and reading list reading are appended.