John Henry by Jerry Pinkney


John Henry

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lester, Julius. 1994. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. John Henry. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN 0803716079

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

American folklore would not be complete without the story of John Henry.  The animals in the forest are present for his birth, and his strength and speed as a grown man are legendary. When John Henry decides it is time to leave home, his father fives him two twenty-pound sledgehammers made of whale bone. On his journeys, John Henry challenges the railroad boss’ steam drill to determine who can hammer faster and longer – the steam drill, or john Henry.  The contest between the steam drill and John Henry proves to be his greatest triumph and teaches those around him that a well-lived life is the best victory of all.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Award winning duo Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney have added to their long list of prodigious children’s books. The story of John Henry is no less stunning than their previous collaborations.

Historically, the 1870s time frame of the story is accurate and conforms to the storyline.  The construction of the railroad was the predominate undertaking during the time that John Henry was purported to be alive.  Pinkney’s watercolor paintings use a natural palate of colors to illustrate the outdoor storyline. His paintings successfully convey a variety of ethnic backgrounds in the paintings without making it a defining part of the storyline.  However, if the reader looks closely, the boss of the railroad is Caucasian and many of the workers are of African American or Oriental descent.  This accurate reflection of the time period creates a sense of authenticity in the storyline.

One of the more interesting elements of the book is Lester’s use of dialect throughout the book.  While the use is not heavy handed, the consistent use of double negatives, informal contractions, and shorten words are readily apparent when reading the book out loud.  The use of this dialect does not seem stereo-typed and the use seems legitimate for the characters and the time frame. Even more so, the use of the dialect creates credibility in the storyline and characters.

The end of the story invites the reader to reflect upon John Henry’s life and how he chose to live it.  He is portrayed as a solid character who desires to live a good life.  His work ethic and physical strength are the foundation of the story and his ability to amicably interact with other people broadens the appeal of John Henry’s unselfish and mindful persona.

Overall, Lester and Pinkney have shared a timeless tale in a manner that all readers will be able to enjoy.  It is important to recognize that the end of the story may upset younger, more sensitive readers.  However, it is an excellent opportunity for adults to open a dialogue with children in regards to the last few pages of the book that propose that “what matters is how well you do your living.”

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS 
  • Caldecott Medal - Nominated 1995
  • Boston Globe- Horn Book Awards - Won 1995
  • Show Me Readers Award - Nominated 1997
  • Golden Sower Award - Won 1997
  • Land of Enchantment Book Award - Nominated 1998
  • South Carolina ASL Book Award - Nominated 1997

Starred review from Publishers Weekly: "A great American hero comes fully to life in this epic retelling filled with glorious, detailed watercolors...This carefully crafted updating begs to be read aloud for its rich, rhythmic storytelling flow, and the suitably oversize illustrations amplify the text."

 Starred review from Booklist: "...the story is told with rhythm and wit, humor and exaggeration, and with a heart-catching immediacy that connects the human and the natural world." 

 Review from School Library Journal: "Told with just a trace of dialect, the story moves along briskly toward the climax. Its moral message of the importance of a well-lived life is clearly stated, and the ending is uplifting."

 Review from Kirkus: "Pinkney's watercolors walk a smart and lovely line between ephemerality and sheer natural energy."

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Other books by Julius Lester
Uncle Remus.  ISBN 978-0803724518
Tales of Uncle Remus. ISBN 978-0142407202
Day of Tears.  ISBN 978-1423104094

*Other picture books written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Noah's Ark.  ISBN 978-1587172014
Little Red Riding Hood. ISBN 978-0316013550
The Lion and the Mouse.  ISBN 978-0316013567

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