(4) YA African-American Icons series. These biographies highlight contemporary African American singers and actors. The texts don't sugarcoat their subjects' lives (e.g., Jay-Z's drug dealing past is fair game, along with Oprah's criticism of his songs' use of the N-word). Many of the sound-bite-ish quotes come from pop-culture interviews ("According to People magazine..."; "...he later told Playboy magazine..."). Oddly, no photos or illustrations are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these African-American Icons titles: Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Tyler Perry, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jennifer Hudson, and Beyoncé.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Titans of Business series. These profiles combine photos with matter-of-fact texts portraying the successes and mistakes of these contemporary business titans from very different backgrounds. Aside from such mentions as Zuckerberg's love of fencing and Jay-Z's involvement in drugs and "hustling," the books focus almost entirely on their business careers. Tips for "how to become an entrepreneur" are simplistic. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Titans of Business titles: Mark Zuckerberg and Jay-Z.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(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