How did Lin-Manuel Miranda become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Daniel Pollack-Pelzner traces Miranda's path from a friendly but often isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights and his songs in Disney's Moana and Encanto. Miranda's journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration and cultural synthesis. His insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories. Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda's family, friends and mentors, and Miranda himself, Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda's artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda's creativity - not only as innate genius, but as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda's inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and more.