John Henry. ISBN 0-8037-1606-0. Julius Lester. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. 1994. Caldecott Honor. Ages 5-10. African American.

This American folk tale retells the story of African American John Henry from his birth and tremendous growth to his death. John Henry grows to be so strong that he uses only two sledgehammers to chop through a mountain faster than a steam drill in order to build a railroad tunnel. This wins him the bargain he makes with the owner of the steam drill. However, his enormous effort causes his death. The pencil and watercolor illustrations in this version of John Henry’s story are bold and show the strength of the man and of the world in which he lives.

John Henry could be used in a classroom in many ways. Social studies seems to be the perfect subject area in which to use this book. This book could inspire discussions of folk tales, the construction of the transcontinental railroad, the industrial revolution, and how African Americans contributed to all of these. In addition, a history of oral story-telling could be studied. This story could also contribute to art and music curriculums. Folk music and the oral tradition of passing down stories and music could be dealt with along with how a single folk legend, such as John Henry, can inspire numerous visions of artistic representation.