Compares three children's books retelling the legend of John Henry: "John Henry: An American Legend" by Ezra Jack Keats (1965), "John Henry" by Julius Lester (1994), and "The Legend of John Henry" by Terry Small (1994). Differences in imagery, language, symbolism, and themes are discussed. (MAK)

Argues that black literature must achieve three essential criteria if it is to be of value to black children: black literature must completely nullify the deceptive influences that prevent black children from finding self-esteem; black literature must convey realism; and, black literature must be authentic. (Author/JM)

This book is a historical, literary, and critical analysis of the portrait of the black that emerges from children's books published between 1827 and 1967. The early books studied were listed in Jacob Blanck's "Peter Parley to Penrod: A Bibliographic Description of the Best-Loved American Juvenile Books, 1827-1926." The later titles are from the…