Paris Jackson has confirmed that her father Michael Jackson used books as currency during their childhood.

If she and her brothers wanted toys, they had to earn them through reading. Want five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us? Read five books. And Michael would quiz them on every single one.

Paris said the lesson was about teaching them the difference between earning something and simply expecting it. “It’s earning it, not just being entitled to certain things. It’s working hard for it. It’s an accomplishment.”

That mindset stayed with her into adulthood — she’s spoken openly about refusing to coast on her father’s name and working for everything she has.