Bob Marley (Black Americans of Achievement) [ILLUSTRATED] (Library Binding)

by Sean Dolan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-Marley stretches the bounds of the series, considering the fact that Bob Marley was not American, but Jamaican. This aside, the book is fascinating reading: it brings its subject alive, and inspires readers to listen to Marley's music. The text is filled with details that keep readers' interest. One immediately has the feeling that Marley was someone special. Dolan offers some helpful background on Jamaica, which provides needed historical context. Hendrix is a routine recounting of the guitarist's life. It has little to recommend it as compelling reading other than an introductory chapter that vividly evokes Hendrix's mind-blowing rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock. After that, the text settles into a dry recounting of biographical facts. While there is no argument over Hendrix's enormous talent and his unquestioned influence on generations of rock guitarists, there is no escaping the more sordid aspects of his life, particularly the drug abuse and the unfortunate circumstances of his death. To his credit, Piccoli treats these matters objectively and does not hold the subject up as a role model. Both volumes are illustrated with excellent black-and-white photographs throughout. These titles won't be sought out for pleasure reading, but may prove useful for reports.
Tim Wadham, Dallas Public Library, TX
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Offers a revealing look at the turbulent short life of reggae musician Bob Marley and his generations-long musical legacy that would become pivotal to the promotion of reggae music to the forefront of popular music.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079102041X
• ISBN-13: 978-0791020418
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,146,380 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rasta Bob, February 8, 2005

A Kid's Review

Bob Marley was born in Jamaica to a young black woman and a white British captain. His dad never married his mom and he grew up poor in the ghetto called Trench town. He became friends with a man who lived near him and he taught him how to play a guitar and sing.

Bob learned to play quickly and he wrote a lot of songs about growing up poor and the political problems in his country. The poor people of Jamaica loved him because he understood how they felt. However, the government did not care for his songs or how he spoke out about problems in the country.

He became a rastafarian and he lived his life according to their teachings. He grew his hair out in dredlocks and lived a simple life. He ate and drank only products that are produced from the land. He believed that people should just love one another and get along.

He eventually was marked by his own government and the CIA. He received death threats and was shot and had to leave the country. He came back to Jamaica years later and sang a concert and was successful in getting the two government parties in Jamaica to shake hands.

He died at the age of 37 from cancer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rasta Bob, February 8, 2005

A Kid's Review

Bob Marley was born in Jamaica to a young black woman and a white British captain. His dad never married his mom and he grew up poor in the ghetto called Trench town. He became friends with a man who lived near him and he taught him how to play a guitar and sing.

Bob learned to play quickly and he wrote a lot of songs about growing up poor and the political problems in his country. The poor people of Jamaica loved him because he understood how they felt. However, the government did not care for his songs or how he spoke out about problems in the country.

He became a rastafarian and he lived his life according to their teachings. He grew his hair out in dredlocks and lived a simple life. He ate and drank only products that are produced from the land. He believed that people should just love one another and get along.

He eventually was marked by his own government and the CIA. He received death threats and was shot and had to leave the country. He came back to Jamaica years later and sang a concert and was successful in getting the two government parties in Jamaica to shake hands.

He died at the age of 37 from cancer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bob Marley, January 17, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Bob Marley (Black Americans of Achievement) (Paperback)

Bob Marlet was born in St. Anns Jamica and as a child moved to the ghetto of Kingston or Trench Town. As Bob grew so did his passion for music. He loved to sing and even made his own guitar. Bob joined the Rastafari religion. He lived a very simple and peaceful life. He would only unprocessed food and smoked ganja. When Bob grew older some people tryed kill him. He got shot in the chest and left arm. At the age of 37 Bob died in Miami Florida of toe cancer.