(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) 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

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the public figure's early years, later life, and achievements. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are occasionally addressed, especially in the Karzai volume (e.g., corruption allegations against him, his increasing criticism of the West). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. There are eight other fall 2011 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Katy Perry, George Lopez, Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, and Hamid Karzai.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz