Lines, Vines and Trying Times by Jonas Brothers

Jonas, Kevin, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas. Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Hollywood Records, 2009. 47.8 minutes. $11.99 (iTunes).

Plot Summary: The latest album by the Jonas Brothers is a catchy pop album featuring collaborations with rapper Common and fellow Disney-ite Miley Cyrus.

Critical Evaluation: Great album for dancing and singing along to, the pop trio have created another hit. The sound is very similar to their past albums, but the themes are more "mature." There isn't one terrible song on the album, although their Common collaboration is a little off from their usual.

Reader's Annotation: Jonas Brothers hit it again with another power chord driven pop album featuring collaborations with Common and Miley Cyrus.

Author Bio: Joseph, Kevin and Nick Jonas grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey with very musical parents. Their parents encouraged the boys to pursue music careers from early on. The brothers hit it big when featured on the Disney movie Meet the Robinsons soundtrack and were soon big Disney stars. They have five full length albums, It's About Time (2006), their self titled Jonas Brothers (2007), A Little Bit Longer (2008) and Lines, Vines and Trying Times (2009) as well as a live album. The brothers have appeared in several Disney shows and movies, including their own comedy series Jonas, and TV movie Camp Rock. Kevin recently became engaged and Nick branched off to form a new band called Nick Jonas and The Administrators.

Genre: Pop

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas: All you have to say is "Jonas" and tween girls will be eager to listen to anything you have to say.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Appeals to ages 8 and up.

Challenges: Some themes on this album are becoming more "adult," so some parents may take issues with lyrics.

Reason for including: I'm a sucker for the Jonas brothers. I watched every episode of their Disney series, and laughed hysterically as my husband shook his head with disgust. I'm a fan of their albums and know quite a few tweens who are big fans like I am.