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"Michael Jackson International Book Club"

Date confirmed in “Associated Press” (archived) (“Sunday [March 25, 2001]”)

“Associated Press” (March 26, 2001) (archived)

Hoping to promote literacy, family time and his new children's charity, pop icon Michael Jackson gave away books to young people at a theater here Sunday.

The event launched the Michael Jackson International Book Club, which aims to promote childhood reading.

Jackson, 42, was joined by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, the author of Kosher Sex and co-founder of the children's charity Heal the Kids.

The eccentric king of pop recently helped promote Heal the Kids by bringing a message of peace, love and healing to Oxford University.

Heal The Kids aims to encourage parents to spend more time with their children, and urges children to respect their parents.