Famous People - N'SYNC

Children's Literature

The boy band trend of the 1990s has carried over into the new century and continues to keep young girls screaming. Fan clubs and web sites about the bands give updated information regularly. This book is a historical look at one particular band and its rise to stardom. Each of the band members is featured in a short biography first, then the formation of the band is covered. From its start in 1995, *NSYNC spent three years touring and performing concerts in Asia, Africa, and Europe before establishing a following in America. A lucky break came in 1998: a band scheduled to be featured in a Disney Channel special cancelled, and *NSYNC was given the opportunity to fill in. The interviews, performances, and candid footage of the band was the ideal exposure needed to jump-start an American career. Another bit of good fortune came when singer Janet Jackson hired the band as the opening act for her American tour in the same year. The band benefited from the large crowds Jackson was drawing to her concerts. By 1999, the band was breaking records with their album sales and performing as a feature act. As the band members became more experienced, they began to argue with their record label over artistic freedom. A prolonged court battle led to a victory for *NSYNC, enabling them to expand their style and themes and to incorporate new sounds. The author points out that the band takes great interest in charity work, explaining the causes each member supports. This book will interest young fans and provide them with facts. The text is straightforward, incorporating short quotes from the band members, and color photographs are interspersed throughout the text. 2003, Kidhaven Press, Ages 8 to 14.
— Carol E. Lynch