How the Beatles Changed the World

Gr 5–8—It's been 50 years since the Beatles' groundbreaking performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, and that is where Sandler begins this book about the band's influence on everything from music to movies, and even religion. It is an event that illustrates the scope and intensity of Beatlemania, which would transform popular music, and according to Sandler, other forms of entertainment. How they changed various aspects of culture provides the framework for each chapter, but Sandler still takes a linear approach to the Beatles' history, covering their early days in Liverpool as teenagers to their post-breakup activities. Readers will find that the band introduced or revolutionized several music industry norms such as music videos, merchandising, stadium concert tours, and album cover design. Over the years, the Beatles' sound evolved, but they were the first band to think about their album as a whole piece of art rather than a compilation of individual songs. Sandler offers insights into their musical legacy as well as their work as political activists. The penultimate chapter of the book describes the social turmoil of the 1960s and how the Beatles' music inspired Russian teens behind the Iron Curtain. The book's design mostly allows for continuous reading, with special spreads occurring at natural breaks in the text. Various anecdotes and quotes from the band and others who were close to them enrich the text. Overall, this book is a welcome reminder that popular entertainment can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.—Joy Piedmont, LREI, New York City