Week 4: Who Doesn't Love the Beatles?

Title: Baby's In Black
Author: Arne Bellstorf
ISBN: 9781596437715
Publisher: First Second
Copyright Year: 2012
Reading Level: Grade 7 and up
Themes: Graphic novel, The Beatles, Music, Music History, 1960's, 1960's music, Stuart Sutcliffe, Astrid Kirchherr, the fifth Beatle, Germany, romance
Awards: None that I am aware of
Thumbs Up or Down?: Thumbs Up! Yay for non-fiction graphic novels!
Book Trailer: I wasn't able to find a book trailer (or well one that was in English) but I found a book talk with the author about this book I hope you enjoy.


My Summary: This book was originally printed in German. It is a graphic novel that depicts the history of the Beatles and their involvement with Astrid Kirchherr, who propelled the Beatles music career to the iconic music legends that they became. It takes place during the bands tougher years in Hamburg, Germany, often referred to as the early years. The story includes the fifth Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe.Story is presented in the form of a romance which might make this book appeal to boys or girls.

My Review: From what I have read about this book I understand it to be a pretty true account. I personally enjoyed it because I love the Beatles and I love reading about history, it's true, I usually read non-fiction. Though I am not a huge fan of graphic novels this one was able to hold my interest through the entire books. The only thing I thought a parent might not like about this book are the depictions of drinking and smoking. I think drinking is probably something that has long been thought of as synonymous with the rock and roll industry. As for the smoking I believe it is a true depiction of a time when people more commonly smoked and should be thought of as nothing more than period aesthetic. Overall a quick entertaining read that taught me a little about the Beatles I didn't know