John Henry: An American Legend - Ezra Jack Keats

That steel-driving man who was born--and died--with a hammer in his hand comes vividly to life in a picture book so colorful and dramatic that surely it is the best yet by Ezra Jack Keats, a Caldecott Medal winner. . . . Each double-page spread seems to radiate the vital force that led John Henry to challenge a steam drill to a rock-drilling contest--and win.--The Chicago Tribune. Caldecott Medalist Ezra Jack Keats's vibrant retelling of the popular African American folk ballad. Have you heard the tale? John Henry was born with a hammer in his hand. He was taller and stronger than anyone around. When men started talking about laying railroad tracks across the prairies and deserts, and right through the mountains, John Henry knew he and his hammer had to be a part of it. And drive those spikes he did Then came the day when a challenge was announced: Who could dig a tunnel through a mountain faster--John Henry and his hammer? Or a steam drill?