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Books like John Henry by Ezra Jack Keats


This book recounts the life of John Henry, the famed steel‑driving laborer who lived each day with a hammer in his hand and whose legend embodies the relentless spirit of hard work and determination. Set within the folklore traditions of the United States, it celebrates an African American hero whose name echoes through generations as a testament to courage and endurance.
First publish date: 1965
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picture Books
Authors: Ezra Jack Keats
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John Henry by Ezra Jack Keats

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Books similar to John Henry (12 similar books)

Peter's Chair by 11475028|Ezra Jack Keats book cover

📘 Peter's Chair
 by Ezra Jack Keats

Peter’s Chair follows a young boy who saves the last unpainted chair from being painted pink for a new baby sister, then runs away to protect his treasured piece.

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 (6 ratings)
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John Henry by 6346507|Jerry Pinkney book cover

📘 John Henry
 by Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Pinkney retells the legend of John Henry, the African American hero who raced a steam drill to cut through a mountain, in a vivid, illustrated tale for young readers.

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.0 (2 ratings)
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Wiley and the Hairy Man by 8355945|Molly Bang book cover

📘 Wiley and the Hairy Man
 by Molly Bang

A tale of boy vs. monster, featuring the adventures of Wiley and his mother as they battle the hairy creature that inhabits their swampy neighborhood.

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.0 (2 ratings)
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Hi, cat! by 11475028|Ezra Jack Keats book cover

📘 Hi, cat!
 by Ezra Jack Keats

When Archie meets a new cat on his block, his ordinary day turns into an unexpected adventure that celebrates friendship and curiosity.

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.0 (1 rating)
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Wiley and the Hairy Man by 6450735|Judy Sierra book cover

📘 Wiley and the Hairy Man
 by Judy Sierra

Wiley, with his mother’s help, cleverly outwits the conjuring Hairy Man who haunts the swamp near their home.

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.0 (1 rating)
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The People Could Fly by 6363849|Virginia Hamilton book cover

📘 The People Could Fly
 by Virginia Hamilton

Virginia Hamilton retells 24 authentic African‑American folk tales—from animal stories to supernatural adventures and slave‑era memories—in vivid prose, illustrated by 40 expressive paintings.

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.0 (1 rating)
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Scandinavian Legends and Folk Tales by 4157222|Gwyn Jones book cover

📘 Scandinavian Legends and Folk Tales
 by Gwyn Jones

A collection of twenty-four traditional tales drawn from the folklore of Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Finland.

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.0 (1 rating)
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John Henry by 6117508|Roark Bradford book cover

📘 John Henry
 by Roark Bradford


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Ezra Jack Keats by 10193487|Dean Engel book cover

📘 Ezra Jack Keats
 by Dean Engel


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John Henry by 6223563|Stephen Krensky book cover

📘 John Henry
 by Stephen Krensky

A spirited retelling of the African-American folk hero John Henry, a legendary railroad worker famed for his towering strength and indomitable spirit, now brought to life for young readers.

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John Henry by 8727923|Brad Kessler book cover

📘 John Henry
 by Brad Kessler

Retells the life of the legendary African American hero who raced against a steam drill to cut through a mountain.

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The hired hand by 7023746|Robert D. San Souci book cover

📘 The hired hand
 by Robert D. San Souci

When Old Sam hires a new worker at his sawmill, the hired hand not only helps with the job but also teaches the lazy son a valuable lesson about treating people well.

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