A Natural Man: The True Story of John Henry

By Steve Sanfield

Book Overview

A masterful retelling about the legendary, steel-driving hero, John Henry.

This timeless ballad has been part of American folklore for over a century. Born with a hammer in his hand, John Henry discovers his true calling as a steel-driving man, but he inevitably meets his match in a race against a steam drill that provides a powerful metaphor for the disruption and loss of innocence created by the industrial age.

John Henry gains respects from the townspeople due to his courage and strength . Thornton's charcoal drawings deftly capture the triumphal spirit of this cautionary tale. Reviewers praise Sanfield's literary skills and describe the story as "balladry" and "lyrical." Appropriately, the story also includes a song about John Henry that the whole class will enjoy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1939160855
• ISBN13: 9781939160850
• Release Date: September 2014
• Publisher: August House Publishers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 7 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 7