(4) K-3 Big Buddy Biographies series. This series offers very basic biographical information about popular stars. The texts, though sugarcoated and very light on content ("In the 1990s and early 2000s, Michael faced some personal challenges"), are easy to read, and their subjects are of interest to children. Many photographs appear throughout; captions and brief "Did you know?" sidebars give additional information on the stars' lives. Glos., ind. Review covers these Big Buddy Biographies titles: Jaden Smith, Lea Michele, and Michael Jackson.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. These standard biographies offer sanitized facts about each subject's life, beginning with childhood and ending with present day (which in Sotomayor focuses on her Supreme Court achievements, and in Jackson his legacy after death). The simple, uncluttered design includes appealing captioned photos. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Gateway Biography titles: Michael Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(3) YA Modern Music Masters series. This thoroughly researched biography presents the "King of Pop" as a complicated, talented, emotionally damaged, eccentric, and driven person, surrounded by people who both loved and manipulated him. The narrative begins with his childhood, including his difficult, at time abusive stage father, and ends with his 2009 televised memorial service. Attractive color photos and numerous quotes give the volume a nice polish. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(4) YA Lives Cut Short series. Each biography opens with a pivotal moment in the performer's career. The texts then move chronologically from the person's childhood to his untimely death, touching on upbringing, setbacks, and accomplishments along the way. The writing occasionally veers into melodrama. The volumes are enhanced by their many photos and clean design. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Lives Cut Short titles: John Lennon, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, and Heath Ledger.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey