Each biography opens with a pivotal moment in the performer's career. The texts then move chronologically from the person's childhood to his untimely death, touching on upbringing, setbacks, and accomplishments along the way. The writing occasionally veers into melodrama. The volumes are enhanced by their many photos and clean design. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

HARRIS, Ashley Rae . Tupac Shakur: Multi-Platinum Rapper . ISBN 978-1-60453-791-8 . LC 2009034356. PRATT, Mary K. Michael Jackson: King of Pop . ISBN 978-1-60453-788-8 . LC 2009034355. WATSON, Stephanie . Heath Ledger: Talented Actor . ISBN 978-1-60453-789-5 . LC 2009034353. ea vol: 112p. (Lives Cut Short Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Essential Library . 2009. PLB $32.79. Gr 5-8 These titles offer thoughtful overviews of pop-culture icons who died of unnatural causes. Name recognition will likely make the books appealing to young audiences. Each biography discusses the subject's early life, providing details that give insight into later success and troubles and maintaining a laudatory tone that focuses on the individual's artistic achievements and hard work to achieve fame. Details explaining that Jack Nicholson warned Heath Ledger about the Joker role, that young Michael Jackson never got to play with his peers, that John Lennon had no musical training, or that Tupac Shakur was a standout student in high school are bound to resonate with readers. Numerous photos and sidebars appear throughout. Worthwhile resources for reports as well as popular reading. Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library