Gr 3–6–These six volumes feature some of today’s pop singers and the predecessors who inspired them. Miley Cyrus was influenced 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.

School Library Journal

Beyoncé and Whitney Houston are the focus of this entry in the Musicians and Their Inspirations series (6 titles), which compares the two iconic singers and highlights moments their paths crossed. Featuring bright photographs, colorful layouts, and energetic, informative text, this well-organized and information-dense book will help readers better understand how artists from different generations help evolve specific styles of music. The book covers key elements of each singer’s background, from starting out as a young star to performing to huge crowds later in her career. A glossary of terms, additional reading suggestions, and a time line of important dates (which ends with 2023) conclude. Readers eager to learn more about either of these talented musicians will come away both informed and inspired.