(4) YA Nico's mom left years ago, but she has her hardworking dad and her male best friend, Obe, who shares her obsession with grunge, especially Nirvana. A photo makes Nico believe Kurt Cobain is her real father; when she thinks she spots Cobain alive, she follows him to a Pacific Northwest cabin. The mystery resolves disappointingly, but teens interested in grunge rock will relish the music references.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Lives Cut Short series. These standard-issue biographies, accompanied by numerous stock photos, introduce readers to celebrities who died young, relating their superstardom, troubled last years, and continuing legacies without adoration or sensationalism. Serious issues such as substance abuse, public-image struggles, and marriage problems are covered directly and honestly. Plentiful sidebars break up the text but sometimes distract from the main narrative. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Lives Cut Short titles: Whitney Houston, Kurt Cobain, Diana, and Marilyn Monroe.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) YA American Rebels series. The books offer accounts of the lives of these legendary musicians, writers, and actors. Although the authors spend considerable time on the subjects' early lives and career highlights, a concluding chapter in each book helps explain their lasting appeal and fame. The pull-quotes are well chosen, but more photos would have helped break up the dense-looking text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Rebels titles: Kurt Cobain, James Dean, Jimi Hendrix, and Jack Kerouac.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang