Fashion Model

April 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-Despite its frivolous appearance, this series delivers solid facts about how famous athletes, models, movie stars, and singers achieved their success. For example, Pop Star mentions that hip-hop superstar Kanye West got his start producing music for other famous musicians. Each spread focuses on a popular celebrity or player and includes color photos and sidebars. While looks are mentioned, especially in Fashion Model and Movie Star, overall emphasis is put on talent, hard work, and creativity. Fashion Model is particularly strong as it showcases a culturally diverse group; it also briefly addresses the issue of eating disorders in the industry. Unfortunately, there is evidence of sloppy editing: its cover features Agyness Deyn but she is not profiled in the text. Though soccer is gaining popularity in the USA, the inclusion of Soccer Star seems odd.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
This series purports to tell how celebrities became successful. Each profiled star gets one double-page spread with a few photos, plus some quotes and scant biographical details. The target audience isn't clear: most of the celebs will appeal to tweens, but a number will be of interest to older readers. Instantly out-of-date, these superficial profiles are basically press kits. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)