Cool It Now: The Authorized Biography of New Edition

Billboard rhythm and blues columnist George follows his bestselling The Michael Jackson Story with this account of New Edition's rapid rise from the streets of Roxbury in Boston to superstardom. The five teens in the group began by recreating the Jackson Five sound but soon developed their own body-popping style and streetwise, rap-influenced songs, garnering two platinum records along the way. Copy is skimpy in this picture book of 100 black-and-white shots and two four-page color inserts, but George manages to capture some of the excitement generated by New Edition's touring shows, recording sessions and photo shoots. Aimed at young fans, the book features trivia quizzes, personal data sheets on group members and a discography/videography. (May)