March 15, 2012
Grades 4-7 These new volumes in the American Graphic series look at two of the most influential African American performing artists of the past few decades. Because each book features a different pairing of writer and illustrator, they need to be judged separately, though the overall bar of the series tends to be fairly high. King of Pop: The Story of Michael Jackson is notable for what it doesn't include: no mention of the various molestation charges or any hint that his death was anything but natural. Those omissions aside, this is anything but a happy-go-lucky tale. Jackson's father is an omnipresent, threatening force, and Byers' peach-hued illustrations do a fine job portraying Jackson's face as it changes throughout the eras. Both titles hit all the important historical points, setting up reluctant researchers for further inquiry.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)