Power Search
Low Price Guarantee
We Take School POs
Ain't Nothing But a Man: My Quest to Find The Real John Henry (16pt Large Print Edition)
Contributor(s): Nelson, Scott Reynolds (Author), Aronson, Marc (Author)

View larger image

 ISBN: 0369317637     ISBN-13: 9780369317636
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant
OUR PRICE: $25.64  

Binding Type: Paperback - See All Available Formats & Editions
Published: February 2014
Qty:
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography - Historical
Dewey: B
Age Level: 10-UP
Grade Level: 5-UP
Physical Information: 0.24" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" L (0.38 lbs) 116 pages
Themes:
- Chronological Period - 19th Century
- Ethnic Orientation - African American
Features: Large Print
Accelerated Reader Info
Quiz #: 119451
Reading Level: 6.6   Interest Level: Middle Grades   Point Value: 2.0
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
Who was the real John Henry? The story of this legendary African - American figure has come down to us in so many songs, stories, and plays, that the facts are often lost. Historian Scott Nelson brings John Henry alive for young readers in his personal quest for the ''''true story'''' of the man behind the myth. Nelson presents the famous folk song as a mystery to be unraveled, identifying the embedded clues within the lyrics, which he examines to uncover many surprising truths. He investigates the legend and reveals the real John Henry in this beautifully illustrated book.
Nelson's narrative is multilayered, interweaving the story of the building of the railroads, the period of Reconstruction, folk tales, American mythology, and an exploration of the tradition of work songs and their evolution into blues and rock and roll. This is also the story of the author's search for the flesh - and - blood man who became an American folk hero; Nelson gives a first - person account of how the historian works, showing history as a process of discovery. Readers rediscover an African - American folk hero. We meet John Henry, the man who worked for the railroad, driving steel spikes. When the railroad threatens to replace workers with a steam - powered hammer, John Henry bets that he can drive the beams into the ground faster than the machine. He wins the contest, but dies in the effort.
Nelson's vibrant text, combined with archival images, brings a new perspective and focus to the life and times of this American legend.

Contributor Bio(s): Nelson, Scott Reynolds: - "Author and historian Scott Reynolds Nelson is the Legum Professor of History at The College of William and Mary in Virginia. His previous book on John Henry, ''''Steel Drivin' Man, '''' was awarded the Organization of American Historians Merle Curti Prize and an Anisfield - Wolf award. He lives in Williamsburg, Virginia."
 
Customer ReviewsSubmit your own review
 
To tell a friend about this book, you must Sign In First!