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Ordinary People Change the World
We are The Beatles
The Fab Four, the most beloved band of all time, join the ranks of this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series about heroes, for ages 5 to 9.
They began as Johnny and the Moondogs, and they weren't very good. But these teens who loved music more than anything kept working at their craft and playing on any small stage they could find. And eventually they became the most recognizable, most influential rock and roll band of all time. How? Through dedicated teamwork, shared passion, and love. They knew that the best music is the music you make together!
This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big.
Included in each book
• A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
• Photos that bring the story more fully to life
• Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
• Childhood moments that influenced the heroes
• Facts that make great conversation-starters
• A virtue these heroes This book celebrates the importance of teamwork.
You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
They began as Johnny and the Moondogs, and they weren't very good. But these teens who loved music more than anything kept working at their craft and playing on any small stage they could find. And eventually they became the most recognizable, most influential rock and roll band of all time. How? Through dedicated teamwork, shared passion, and love. They knew that the best music is the music you make together!
This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big.
Included in each book
• A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
• Photos that bring the story more fully to life
• Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
• Childhood moments that influenced the heroes
• Facts that make great conversation-starters
• A virtue these heroes This book celebrates the importance of teamwork.
You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2025
91 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
323 books7,434 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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November 11, 2025Super handsome author.
June 1, 2025
I had the best time reading this book to my kids! Each time we came upon a different song, I played it for them on my phone. I love The Beatles! How fun it is to be the person who introduces iconic tunes such as "Come Together," "Let it Be," "Hey Jude," and "Norwegian Wood," to new little minds!
Brad Meltzer highlighted the Beatles' ability to work as a team as the reason they changed the world. I thought that was a good take on their success.
I love how the simple cartoon versions of John, Paul, George, and Ringo somehow resembled each one perfectly (was it the noses?).
The author is a true historian who happens to be writing books for kids, so this series is highly accurate and yet distilled for younger minds. He is often able to uncover new stories and details about his subjects, which I really enjoy.
Brad Meltzer highlighted the Beatles' ability to work as a team as the reason they changed the world. I thought that was a good take on their success.
I love how the simple cartoon versions of John, Paul, George, and Ringo somehow resembled each one perfectly (was it the noses?).
The author is a true historian who happens to be writing books for kids, so this series is highly accurate and yet distilled for younger minds. He is often able to uncover new stories and details about his subjects, which I really enjoy.
September 11, 2025
First sentence: We are the Beatles. I'm Paul McCartney. One of my earliest memories is of lying on the floor and listening to my dad play piano. I didn't take fancy lessons--I learned by ear, just like him.
I am John Lennon. When I was five, I went to live with my aunt and got my first musical instrument, a harmonica. My aunt made me wait until Christmas, but getting that harmonica was one of the great moments of my life.
Premise/plot: Brad Meltzer's newest biography for children is a book called We Are The Beatles. Each Beatle's story is told--though not equitably divided perhaps--through color-coded panels. Each Beatles has his own color. Each is told in first person. So readers should pay attention to the color-clues for clarity. (I didn't need clarity because I might have read a couple dozen books on the Beatles.) Once the group is together-together, the panels are black. And it switches to first person plural--we. (Though the occasional color panel returns to tell individual details.)
The book is written FOR children. So the more adult stuff is left out. The story isn't evenly paced. Some periods of time are told in greater detail, others zoom by quickly. Blink and you miss it.
My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love this one. (After all, all you need is love.) However, I think my expectations were too high. I think for children, for those new to the Beatles, for those with a passing curiosity, for those who just looking to read a biography [like for an assignment] this one will suit just fine. It annoyed me, for example, that it starts with PAUL and not John. John is OLDER by several years. Lennon comes BEFORE McCartney in their song credits, I believe, and alphabetically as well. No matter how I look at it, Paul should not be the one getting the attention. (I'm not surprised, mind you.) I was also annoyed that not all the Beatles get equal treatment or perhaps equal respect. Ringo deserved better.
I also don't personally care for the illustration style of the whole series. Short, squatty bodies and big heads just doesn't thrill me as an illustration style. Not when all the other characters are drawn as normal looking adults.
That being said, I do love the Beatles. And I'm not going to complain if children are introduced to the Beatles at a younger age.
I am John Lennon. When I was five, I went to live with my aunt and got my first musical instrument, a harmonica. My aunt made me wait until Christmas, but getting that harmonica was one of the great moments of my life.
Premise/plot: Brad Meltzer's newest biography for children is a book called We Are The Beatles. Each Beatle's story is told--though not equitably divided perhaps--through color-coded panels. Each Beatles has his own color. Each is told in first person. So readers should pay attention to the color-clues for clarity. (I didn't need clarity because I might have read a couple dozen books on the Beatles.) Once the group is together-together, the panels are black. And it switches to first person plural--we. (Though the occasional color panel returns to tell individual details.)
The book is written FOR children. So the more adult stuff is left out. The story isn't evenly paced. Some periods of time are told in greater detail, others zoom by quickly. Blink and you miss it.
My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love this one. (After all, all you need is love.) However, I think my expectations were too high. I think for children, for those new to the Beatles, for those with a passing curiosity, for those who just looking to read a biography [like for an assignment] this one will suit just fine. It annoyed me, for example, that it starts with PAUL and not John. John is OLDER by several years. Lennon comes BEFORE McCartney in their song credits, I believe, and alphabetically as well. No matter how I look at it, Paul should not be the one getting the attention. (I'm not surprised, mind you.) I was also annoyed that not all the Beatles get equal treatment or perhaps equal respect. Ringo deserved better.
I also don't personally care for the illustration style of the whole series. Short, squatty bodies and big heads just doesn't thrill me as an illustration style. Not when all the other characters are drawn as normal looking adults.
That being said, I do love the Beatles. And I'm not going to complain if children are introduced to the Beatles at a younger age.
July 5, 2025
I love the entire series of Ordinary People Change the World but this particular one, covering four people, presented a bit of a new challenge. Clever color coded boxes help readers identify whose POV we’re seeing but even if you aren’t fully sure whose story, it all comes together and you get the gist. I also appreciate that they used the Beatles’ own words whenever possible and even learned a couple new things. As always, adorable illustrations and fun asides throughout make this one another winner in the series. I would recommend for fans and newbies alike. 😊
May 21, 2025
Normally entries in this series, "Ordinary People Change the World," are single people, but the author decided to include the Beatles in this series, for which I am most grateful. Because the author is covering 4 people in one book, the layout is quite different, and at times can be confusing to read. Hence, my 4 star- instead of 5 star-rating. Otherwise, the book is excellent, the information is accurate, and the selection of the group as one that changed the world is well-earned.
June 24, 2025
When I saw a Beatles version of the Ordinary People series, I had to get my hands on it!
You can tell that this book was made with love - both the writing and the illustrations were so thoughtful and fun! All the references are sure to please The Beatles fans out there! Plus, the theming/lesson of coming together to make wonderful things was so apt AND great for kids!
I can't wait to own my own copy!
You can tell that this book was made with love - both the writing and the illustrations were so thoughtful and fun! All the references are sure to please The Beatles fans out there! Plus, the theming/lesson of coming together to make wonderful things was so apt AND great for kids!
I can't wait to own my own copy!
September 10, 2025
This book is about the band.
In the beginning they had a show. They were singing
And playing instruments.
In the middle they showed them getting the offer to
Play in Hamburg Germany. The next song they sanged
Was What’d I Say.
In the end they were in the land. They were the Beatles
That come together.
I hope everybody is having a good day. I will be back
With another update with more books.
Im not sure when. Bye.
In the beginning they had a show. They were singing
And playing instruments.
In the middle they showed them getting the offer to
Play in Hamburg Germany. The next song they sanged
Was What’d I Say.
In the end they were in the land. They were the Beatles
That come together.
I hope everybody is having a good day. I will be back
With another update with more books.
Im not sure when. Bye.
June 14, 2025
Love this series of books and the broad range of people it has featured. I'm a fan of the author in general, so it's no surprise I think the books are well- and thoughtfully written. It's appalling that some people try to politicize even children's books, but several books from this series have been challenged and even banned in some areas :(
March 3, 2025
I love this series and enjoyed this one, but because it was multiple characters, I found the beginning a little confusing. Kids who read graphic novels often probably wouldn't have that same confusion.
June 15, 2025
Brad Meltzer is so good. This was such a delightful read, well sourced and very informative. It's a book for children, but it was a quick and fun read.
I look forward to sharing it with my grandson too see his reaction.
I look forward to sharing it with my grandson too see his reaction.
July 3, 2025
I really love the illustrative work of Chris Eliopoulos and also learn some interesting stuff about The Beatles. An Awesome Band with their sense of Friendship, Teamwork, Creativity and their Music. Never read one of these books with four people in it, it was like reading a music documentary.
May 6, 2025
Another exceptional book in the Ordinary People series!
May 13, 2025
This was so cute. I loved the art!
May 14, 2025
Sweet retelling of the Beatles' story.
May 20, 2025
This book had some interesting facts of how the Beatles got started and I learned some things about them that I did not know before. I always enjoy reading Brad's books!!!
June 15, 2025
It was hard to read at first because we had to go back and look at the names, even if each one has a different color block. I think the physical version would have been easier to read.
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July 10, 2025Great book as usual
August 14, 2025
This book series is wonderful as a whole, but trying to do one book for a whole band became very chaotic and hard to follow. The ones on individual figures are excellent!
September 27, 2025
Love these books for teaching history. This one is good for teaching musical influence.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews