John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth

Partridge, Elizabeth. 2005. JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670059544 [Suggested Grade Levels 8 and up]

REVIEW
Partridge starts from the beginning and tells the story of Lennon from birth to death, including his friends and early school days, how he fell in love with rock and roll, about being a “Beatle,” and about his days with Yoko and political views. Much of the story is told just from the photographs-- a different side of John Lennon is portrayed that many readers may not be aware of.

Also included in the book are brief biographies of the major people in Lennon’s life: the other three Beatles--Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, as well as Yoko Ono. A great deal of the book is about Lennon’s childhood and how he came to be a Beatle. His life after The Beatles and his use of drugs and relationship with Yoko Ono are also detailed. This is a great book for any Beatles, John Lennon, or rock and roll fan.

CONNECTIONS
Readers can survey adults and other Beatles fans about their favorite songs. They can research Lennon’s influence on the music industry and how contemporary musicians view his songs, songwriting, and musicianship.

RELATED BOOKS
Books about John Lennon, the Beatles, and rock and roll:
Rappaport, Doreen. JOHN’S SECRET DREAMS: THE LIFE OF JOHN LENNON. ISBN 0786808179
Lalani, Zane. TEENAGERS GUIDE TO THE BEATLES. ISBN 0965874079
Spitz, Bob. THE BEATLES: THE BIOGRAPHY. ISBN 0316803529
Shirley, David. THE HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL. ISBN 0531158462

By Paige A. Poe