Book Detail

John Henry

Publication Information
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:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Yes Young Adult:  
Picture:   Yes

General Information:
Book Type(s):    legends, tales and myths

HSE Descriptor(s):   

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.

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Ethnic Groups > African-American
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > determination/perseverance
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > human strength
bullet Literature and Language > mythology
bullet Heroes and Heroines > mythological characters
bullet Heroes and Heroines > mythological characters > Henry, John


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