Beyoncé: Singer, Songwriter, and Actress

Gr 2–4—An unusual assortment of subjects comprises this set, with mixed results. The titles about historical figures fare far better than those covering contemporary personalities. The former, though simply written, have substance. Packed with interesting, clearly presented details, they're great for report writers. The titles about superstars feel superficial and will appeal mostly to die-hard fans and reluctant readers who appreciate quick reads; facts about the celebrities are simplified, glossed over, or omitted. All titles are attractive, with large fonts, generous colors, striking photos, archival prints, eye-catching typefaces, and captions. Interspersed quotes from the subject or a biographer help readers understand each subject better. The time lines in Kobe, Beyoncé, and Jay Z unfortunately do not continue into the present (stopping around 2014), making these titles more likely to become outdated.