John Henry
Author: Julius Lester
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Scholastic
Year of Publication: 1994
Genre: Historical Non-Fiction
Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: 1
Summary: John Henry was a tall, muscular, strong man who was born a slave. He went up against a steem-powered drill which could beat any man, but John Henry proved it wrong and won.
Summary of Professional Reviews: John Henry is a tale that tries to be faithful to the indomitable human spirit. This version of John Henry written by Julius Lester, is the most exciting version to date, and the language and powerful paintings set this picture book apart from all others.
Review by Katie: John Henry has deep pictures full of emotion so that the reader can use their imagination to relive the tale of John Henry. Lester uses a range of well written phrases and language to help ease in and take over your emotions while reading the text and enjoying the illustrations. This book is a well written piece that will never disappoint and it will be sure to inspire young minds.
John Henry can be useful when teaching about black history month, the slaves, the will of man, and mathematical lessons.