These six volumes feature some of today’s pop singers and the predecessors who inspired them. Miley Cyrus was inf luenced by her godmother Dolly Parton, Harry Styles was an admirer of Mick Jagger, and Kendrick Lamar was inspired by Tupac Shakur. Readers learn how each pair are alike and different. Both Lizzo and Aretha Franklin sang in their church choirs. Paul McCartney wears simple suits when performing but Taylor Swift frequently changes costumes during her concerts. Beyoncé and Whitney Houston both have distinctive voices, but Beyoncé writes most of her music while Houston performed songs written by others. Harry Styles often wears gender fluid costumes like his idol Mick Jagger. Brief narratives about each singer include a chronicle of their careers. The real attraction of these books will be the colorful photographs. The pairing of pop stars with their idols is an interesting premise, but the information is scant, making these volumes of marginal use to those seeking to learn more about their favorite stars. VERDICT Styles, Swift, Lamar, et. al. are the subjects of more comprehensive biographies, so selectors looking for more in-depth information can pass on these.

upper elementary to middle school

Harry Styles and Mick Jagger: Music and Style Icons. ISBN: ISBN 9798765626689. ––––. Lizzo and Aretha Franklin: Queens of Soul. ISBN: ISBN 9798765626702. ––––. Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney: Legendary Songwriters. ISBN: ISBN 9798765626726. Beyoncé and Whitney Houston: Voices of a Generation. ISBN: ISBN 9798765626672. ––––. Kendrick Lamar and Tupac Shakur: Influential Rappers. ISBN: ISBN 9798765626696. ––––. Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton: Two Tennessee Titans. ISBN: ISBN 9798765626719.