Book Summary and Reviews of Rebellious by Michael G. Long

Rebellious by Michael G. Long

Rebellious

The Story of Keith Haring in 12 Pictures

by Michael G. Long

  • Critics' Consensus (6):
  • Published:
  • Jun 2026, 264 pages
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About this book

Book Summary

A riveting biography of Keith Haring that centers his life, politics, and activism around twelve of his most significant paintings.

As an artist and activist, one theme remained a constant throughout Keith Haring's life: rebellion. In this young adult biography, acclaimed author Michael G. Long examines Haring's upbringing and career through this lens: hosting queer people and people of color at high-art gallery openings; refusing to use mediums and art styles that his professors required; coming out as a gay man and exploring his sexual experiences through his art; drawing guerilla-style on the New York subway; and painting in protest of nuclear weaponry, police brutality, racism, the spread of crack cocaine, and, most famously, the AIDS epidemic.

With each chapter anchored by an iconic work of Haring's art, Rebellious is a pacy, energetic, and accessible look at Keith Haring's unconventional life and how his paintings shaped and reflected the world around him―and how they still resonate today.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

"This exuberant, uplifting biography will inspire and encourage teens to more closely observe and engage with their surroundings as a means to spark creativity and connection." ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Absorbing… This well-researched and highly engaging narrative is infused with photographs from Haring's life, deepening readers' connection to the artist. Long's easily accessible writing also explores Haring's artistic style and activism, which includes his contributions to projects like Free South Africa and ACT UP, making this a versatile work that crosses multiple curricula…. A fascinating page-turner about an important artist that belongs in all libraries." —School Library Journal (starred review)

"What makes this book special is its expansive heart… This work will speak to many teenagers who are struggling to love themselves. During hostile times, Haring was an out and proud gay man who made art for ordinary people who were ignored by the art world. An honest, inspiring behind-the-scenes look into the highs and lows of an artist's life." ―Kirkus Reviews

This information about Rebellious was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

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Author Information

Michael G. Long

Michael G. Long is the author of several books on politics, nonviolent protests, and civil rights history. His commentary about civil rights has appeared in the Afro, the Los Angeles Times, and ESPN. He lives in Camp Hill, PA.

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