John Henry An American Legend

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

John Henry is the story of the legendary steel-driving railroad man "born with a hammer in his hand". Pitted against a steel drill to blast a tunnel through a mountain so that train tracks might be laid, John Henry is faster than the machine but his victory ends his life. This edition, in celebration of the book's 50th anniversary, is large and handsome. Both the Keats retelling of the story and his full-color illustrations can each be described as vibrant, vivid, colorful, dramatic and bold. That is because both text and drawings work in absolute harmony to tell the tale. The reading level is broad. It is a book appropriate for young listeners of about five years and up and for all other readers of any age. Those interested in knowing American and African American literary forms, ballads, tall tales, myths and legends and/or are interested in America's history, especially the opening of the west, will be rewarded. This edition celebrates both the legendary hero, John Henry and the real author illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats for their extraordinary accomplishments. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent