(4) K-3 Big Buddy Pop Biographies series. In each standard-issue biography, readers are introduced to the celebrity or band's early life and family, career, achievements, business ventures, and charitable works. The cheerful texts are peppered with gratuitous exclamation points ("Taylor spent two years writing songs for 1989!") and accompanied by stock photos and "Did You Know?" boxes. There are seven other spring 2016 books in this series. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Big Buddy Pop Biographies: 5 Seconds of Summer, Justin Timberlake, Kate Middleton, Pharrell Williams, and Taylor Swift.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(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 Hot Celebrity Biographies series. These adulatory biographies use clear and simple writing to present a positive overview of each featured celebrity's personal life and career. Each of these successful men is depicted as a worthy role model for young readers to admire. Quotes, sidebars, and captioned photos are also included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Hot Celebrity Biographies titles: Johnny Depp and Justin Timberlake.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(4) YA People in the News series. These series entries cover basic biographical facts; as evidenced by the McCain title, which ends with his nomination, the books quickly become out of date. Fans may enjoy the Timberlake bio, including its many color photos, and students could use the McCain book (with further research) for reports. Though the books are fairly superficial, they're fine starting points. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Justin Timberlake and John McCain.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee