The Beatles: Leading the British Invasion

Gr 7 Up—The unsavory bits of these icons' stories are not glossed over. Rather, the subjects' weaknesses and words (such as the Beatles' drug use and a Muhammad Ali quotation that uses the "n" word) are delivered in a straightforward manner. Through the use of sidebars, quotations, and black-and-white photographs, readers are given not only information about the subjects themselves, but also about cultural events of the time. In The Beatles, each member's life receives coverage from child to adulthood. The stars' musical influences and successors, controversies, and personal relationships and conflicts are examined. This volume also touches upon other popular musicians, Eastern influences in both music and philosophy, and drugs. Muhammad Ali discusses the boxer's upbringing, religious beliefs, contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, and protestation of the war in Vietnam. It also includes text on Jim Crow laws, the social reforms of the 1960s, the Nation of Islam, and the sport of boxing. Despite a few typographical errors in Muhammad Ali, these titles are worthy resources for most libraries.—Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library