(3) YA No Yoko-bashing here; Horn Book Guide reviewer Beram and co-author Boriss-Krimsky paint an engaging and sympathetic portrait of the rock-'n'-roll wife as a groundbreaking avant-garde artist in her own right--and way ahead of her time. Copious quotations and photographs support the authors' claims. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) YA Beginning with the announcement of Lennon's death on December 8, 1980, the author then adeptly presents two chronological biographies of Lennon and Mark David Chapman and comes full circle with a more detailed telling of the events leading up to the assassination. Black-and-white photographs, sidebars, and first-hand accounts enhance and extend a well-researched, engaging narrative. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA Lives Cut Short series. Each biography opens with a pivotal moment in the performer's career. The texts then move chronologically from the person's childhood to his untimely death, touching on upbringing, setbacks, and accomplishments along the way. The writing occasionally veers into melodrama. The volumes are enhanced by their many photos and clean design. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Lives Cut Short titles: John Lennon, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, and Heath Ledger.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(4) YA American Rebels series. These biographies introduce iconoclastic, boundary-pushing individuals, from Elvis and his dangerous-seeming sensuality to Malcolm X's militant approach to civil rights. Each volume begins with a scene from a turning point in the subject's life, then details his rise to fame, personal and professional hardships, and legacy. Photographs, sidebars, and pull-quotes help break up the dense texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Rebels titles: John Lennon, Malcolm X, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) YA This sturdy, upbeat biography looks at the "intellectual" Beatle's short, whirlwind life, from adolescent upstart to rock star to peace activist to assassinated icon. The book contains a few inaccuracies, but it rarely ceases to be interesting, thanks to Duggleby's generosity with examples of Lennon's famously quick wit. Archival photos appear throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Bryan Collier. This ambitious picture book reveals plenty of research and an affinity for the subject. The text describes pivotal moments in Lennon's life, interspersing lines from his songs in larger colored type. Collier's collage art is full of motion, with some psychedelic sixties colors added to the predominant brown. Appended with a list of important dates, a selected discography, and selected research sources.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. Effectively integrating historical context into the discussion, these biographies present an overview of each subject's life and notable contributions. The large format includes photos, archival reproductions, and a spacious layout, making the books accessible and easy to read. The quality of the writing is uneven, but readers will gain a basic appreciation of these important figures in history. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, and John Lennon.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Heinemann Profiles series. These standard-issue biographies feature an easy-to-read text, captioned photos, quotations by and about the subject, and rather busy layouts. Occasionally the text is misleading, but overall the facts are presented in a fairly balanced manner. Depending on the subject, a time line, a list of films, or a list of recordings is included in each book. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Heinemann Profiles titles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, Henry Ford, Elvis Presley, George Lucas.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee