The Book of Rock Stars by Kathleen Krull

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Subtitle: 24 Musical Icons that Shine Through History

Stars: ****

I’ve reviewed two other books by Kathleen Krull: The Road to Oz and The Boy on Fairfield Street.

This is another one of her biographies for kids but instead of focusing on one person, it focuses on 24 bands.

Rock Stars Included: Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Led Zepplin, The Who, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Santana, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Pretenders, U2, Nirvana.

I learned a lot actually. I didn’t listen to a whole lot of Rock growing up so although I’d heard of these bands, I hadn’t listened to most of them. Even the ones I listened too sometimes (like The Beatles or The Doors or The Who), I didn’t know anything about.

Things I learned:

  • Joni Mitchell is Canadian.
  • Led Zeppelin never released singles, only albums
  • Elvis got a guitar instead of the bicycle that he wanted for his birthday.
  • Grateful Dead name came from an Egyptian prayer Jerry Garcia discovered in a book
  • Pete Townshend of The Who snapped the neck off his guitar in art school either accidentally or in frustration but the crowd roared so thrashing instruments became their trademark finale.
  • Feb 6 in Jamaica is Bob Marley Day

Links of Interest: Kathleen Krull’s Website

Other Reviews: NONE YET

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About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.