(4) YA USA Today Lifeline Biographies series. Each book contains background about social movements, fashion, and musical influences, plus excerpts from USA Today articles. Queen Latifah's childhood and family life, as well as Lady Gaga's development of her persona, are covered in detail, while topics such as drugs and sexual orientation are also discussed. Fans won't mind the crowded layout. Latifah has a glossary; Gaga has a timeline. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these USA Today Lifeline Biographies titles: Queen Latifah and Lady Gaga.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the performer's childhood, adult life, achievements, and surrounding controversies. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are addressed, including drug use and violence. Sidebars cover more general topics, such as politics or social movements, giving the stories context. Many photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Shakira, Queen Latifah, and Tupac Shakur.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Hip-Hop Stars series. These biographies deliver comprehensive information about the lives and careers of their subjects--including achievements and struggles--as well as some history about hip-hop. The same introduction by Chuck D of rap group Public Enemy begins each. The stories are engaging, though the writing tends to ramble. Photos, sidebars, and discographies add to the teen-friendly appeal. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Hip-Hop Stars titles: Jay-Z, Sean Combs, Queen Latifah, and Tupac Shakur.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(3) 4-6 Black Americans of Achievement series. The civil rights activist and three prominent entertainers are profiled in readable biographies, illustrated with black-and-white photos. Though the Berry volume is somewhat padded by extraneous material, all the books successfully balance their subjects' professional achievements with their personal insights to create fully rounded portraits. Each volume contains a timeline and, when relevant, a filmography. There are four other new books in this series. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Danny Glover, Queen Latifah, Al Sharpton, Halle Berry.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA A & E Biography series. Though the prose is more competent than inspired, the biographies of this diverse group of notables adequately traces their personal and professional achievements. Occasional information boxes contain material that supplements the texts, which are illustrated with black-and-white (and occasional color) photos and reproductions. Both Hendrix and Latifah include discographies. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta