Illustrator: Jerome Lagarrigue
PUBLISHER: Aladdin PUBLICATION
DATE: 2005
AWARDS: Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe new talent award for Jerome Lagarrigue; Ezra Jack Keats / New York Public Library award, best new picture book writer of the year, and best new illustrator, 2002; Simon Wiesenthal “Once Upon A World Award”; Junior Library Guild Selection; Notable Book in the field of Social Studies, National Council of the Social Studies; Oprah Winfrey Book Club for Kids Selection
Children’s Literature Choice List
GENRE: Historical Fiction
READING
LEVEL: 2nd-4th grade
BRIEF OVERVIEW: This is a story of
two friends, one is black and one is white. John Henry (black) can’t do
everything his friend can. They spend the summer together and join to support
the Civil Rights Act.
INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Put
yourself in John Henry’s shoes. Describe a situation when you weren’t treated
fairly and tell how that made you feel.
REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Lauren Baker, Valdosta State University
