John Henry |
Publication Information
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Author: Lester, Jerry |
Illustrator: Pinkney, Jerry |
Title: John Henry |
Date: 1994 |
Publisher: Dial |
City: New York, NY |
ISBN, paperback: 0-8037-1606-0 |
ISBN, hardback: |
Recommended audience:
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ABE/ABLE:
Yes |
ESOL:
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Family:
Yes |
Young Adult:
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Picture:
Yes |
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General Information:
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Book Type(s):
legends, tales and myths
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HSE Descriptor(s):
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Summary: |
This beautifully illustrated, award-winning book tells the tale of the ex-slave John Henry who outraced the steam engine in digging a tunnel through the side of the Allegheny Mountains. The book begins with introductory notes from both Julius Lester and from the publisher. |
Teaching Ideas: |
As with all tales and legends, teachers must approach this book with care and forethought so that it is not perceived as just a children's story. It could be part of a myths and folktales unit. In his introductory paragraph, Lester wrote about how he has connected Martin Luther King and Henry in his mind because both of them taught us "to have the courage to hammer until our hearts break and to leave our mourners smiling in their tears." It may be best for a read-aloud followed by discussion of Lester's point and the tendency of certain tales to speak to needs of the human spirit. |
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