Fall 2023

What You Never Knew About Zendaya

From the Set Behind the Scenes Biographies

Zendaya's star power is so bright, she only needs to go by one name. She can sing, she can dance, and she can act! But what is her life like when she's not performing? High-interest details and bold photos of her high-profile life will enthrall reluctant and struggling readers, while carefully levelled text will leave them feeling confident.

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$31.32 $23.49
Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 2
Dewey Number 791.4302/8092
Lexile 620L
ATOS Reading Level 3.3
Guided Reading Level O
Language English
Publisher Capstone
Format Reinforced book
ISBN 9781669049494
Copyright 2024
Number of Pages 32
Dimensions 7 x 9
Graphics Full-color photographs

SLJ Review of Behind the Scenes Biographies

Interesting facts about popular celebrities are presented in these volumes. In the simple narratives readers learn that Ariana Grande’s favorite holiday is Halloween, Beyoncé owns two beehives, Dwayne Johnson plays the ukulele, Harry Styles was the first man to appear alone on the cover of Vogue, Lionel Messi’s favorite color is red, and Selena Gomez eats Oreos with a fork. Little about their respective careers are explored outside the number of albums the singers have produced and Messi holds the record for all-time scores in his soccer league. Brief mentions of families are included: Beyoncé is married to Jay Z and Johnson loves his wife and three daughters. Colorful photographs of the subjects appear throughout. Enthusiasts of these famous people will appreciate the information provided and the pictures. VERDICT Fans will be eager to read more about their idols and selectors should consider where there is a demand.

SLJ Review of Behind the Scenes Biographies

Celebrities in the field of music and sports are featured in these volumes. Facts and photographs are the primary attractions to this series’s mix of these singers and athletes. Readers will learn interesting tidbits such as Demi Lovato’s dogs once stopped a robbery, Simone Biles’s favorite color is purple, Taylor Swift loves cats, one member of BTS learned English by watching “Friends,” Cristiano Ronaldo owns 20 sports cars and Patrick Mahomes puts ketchup on his Thanksgiving turkey. Of course, some space is provided for their careers – Swift has changed from country music to pop and Ronaldo has scored over 800 career goals. But the purpose is to let fans know the little-known facts, hence the title “What You Never Knew About.” There are many other biographies on these individuals, many of which are more comprehensive. Also, given the fact these are living, active people, much of the information is dated (or will be) by the time they make it to the shelves. For instance, emphasis is placed on Lovato’s preference for nonbinary gender identification; she has recently added the female pronouns. Mahomes will have had two children. The photographs are clear if not large or outstanding. ­VERDICT Because there are several biographies on these subjects already available, many of which provide more information, purchasers should consider whether the subjects’ local fan base is large enough to justify purchase.

Author: Nafeesah Allen