James Van der Beek

VOYA

James Van Der Beek's success story is simply told for young teen fans. The thread that links the four high interest/low vocabulary chapters together is his high school football accident that led to his involvement in drama. James's story involves studying briefly at college before winning the lead role in WB network's Dawson's Creek. The Celebrity Bios series favors straightforward life stories over risqué Hollywood gossip. If gossip—romance or lack thereof—appears, it is rather thin. Some sources of quotes are a bit obscure—Rolling Stone Australia and Teen Tribute—and none of the series authors interviewed the subjects. Information is presented in a chatty style that can range from comfortable to patronizing. Photos will be a major draw and readers will not be disappointed with the inclusion of color photos on nearly every two-page spread. The time lines, fan club addresses, and fact sheets in the back of each bio will be appreciated greatly by fans but will date the series quickly. Other books in the series include Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin and Katie Holmes,
— Elaine McGuire <%ISBN%>0516234293