John Lennon

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 Both biographies draw upon a wide selection of published source material to present fair and unsensationalized views of two men who, in their time, were major forces in the formation of contemporary pop music and culture. While neither of these slim volumes can adequately portray the vastness of the mania and mayhem generated by these late superstars, thorough research has resulted in well-balanced evaluations of their lives and their impact on the music of the Western world. The selection of photographs integrated throughout the text provide glimpses of most phases of their lives. The indexes are thorough, and the synthesized information well worth reading. No new information here, but as each man will influence future generations of music lovers and musicians, there is a guaranteed audience for both titles. Anne H. Ross, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, Fla.