(4) K-3 Zoom In on Stars of Music series. These templated early-reader biographies cursorily describe each entertainer's early life, rise to fame, "superstar" status, and recent accomplishments. The texts are clear but choppy: "In 2014 Williams released a solo album. He also became a singing coach for The Voice. It is a reality TV show." The design features many photos of the stars, including childhood yearbook photos. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on Stars of Music titles: Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, and Taylor Swift.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) YA Contemporary Lives series. Each musical star is profiled in these adequate biographies, illustrated with frequent, middling-quality photos. The texts comprehensively, if dryly, cover the artists' professional accomplishments--hit songs, albums, tours, and awards--as well as personal achievements and struggles, including Pink's early drug use and Chris Brown's assault of Rihanna. Quotes by and about the musicians are thoroughly sourced. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Contemporary Lives titles: Rihanna, Pink, and Bruno Mars.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) 4-6 Pop Culture Bios: Super Singers series. These middle-grade biographies provide easy-to-read overviews but little new insight on their pop-singer subjects. The icons' childhood roots, roads to stardom, and current career details are all addressed, while sidebars contain extra facts and definitions (demo; screen test). The gushing slang ("fav"; "adorbs") grows tiresome, though some tweens may disagree; the abundant photos will likely be pored over. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Pop Culture Bios: Super Singers titles: Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, One Direction, Selena Gomez, and Taylor Swift.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee