THE HIRED HAND by Robert D. San Souci

BIBLIOGRAPHY

San Souci, Robert D. 1997. THE HIRED HAND. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803712960

PLOT SUMMARY

Old Sam works hard at running his Virginia sawmill, but his son, Young Sam, is lazy and always on the lookout ways to make his life easier. When New Hand is hired to help at the sawmill he proves that he can do much more than saw and stack logs. Young Sam spies on New Hand while he uses a magic spell to restore an aging customer’s youth. Young Sam’s plan to make a profit from duplicating the spell, however, ends in tragedy. On trial for murder, Young Sam learns his lesson about acting “high-handed” and “biggity” and is saved from prison by New Hand.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the Author’s Note, San Souci wrote that he found the original version of THE HIRED HAND while reading GYPSY FOLK TALES by Francis Hindes Groome. Published in 1899, Groome’s book included a note that the Gypsy tale was similar to a folktale written down from a verbal retelling in 1871 Alabama by a servant who “had got it from his granny” in Virginia.

According to San Souci, Groome included the full text of the tale titled DE NEW HAN in an appendix. San Souci indicated that he tried to retain essence of the tale, but soften the heavy dialect that was typical of African American tales of the period. In THE HIRED HAND San Souci’s characters speak in more of a Southern dialect than the vernacular evidenced in Groome’s title. The occasional dropped consonant and colloquialisms such as “gonna” and “gotta” bring to mind the speech patterns of the American south.

According to the Artist’s Note, Jerry Pinkney modeled his illustrations on a 1700’s Quaker town in Virginia whose population included free African Americans. Pinkney achieves his “once upon a time” goal of depicting African Americans working and living in a place free from slavery.

Pinkney’s muted watercolor illustrations enhance the magical qualities of this retelling of an African American folktale. Even though the setting for the tale, as well as Pinkney’s inspiration, is in the very real state of Virginia, Pinkney’s illustrations add to the unreal aspect of “long ago and far away”.

San Souci’s treatment of the folktale is entertaining and the lessons of treating people fairly, not taking shortcuts and even forgiveness will not be lost on older readers. Before sentencing at his trial, Young Sam expresses his regret and cautions the onlookers to “Don’ be lazy an’ greedy and wood-headed.”

This story is suitable for both independent reading and sharing aloud during story time.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

THE HORN BOOK GUIDE: “Executed in pencil and watercolor, the illustrations set the plot in a particular time and place without sacrificing the sense of magic and wonder. Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration.”

BOOKLIST: “An obvious choice for primary story hours, this will also make a welcome addition to African American folklore and history units.”

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: “The story line is complicated and therefore recommended for older picturebook readers, but the unexpected twists and turns and appeal enhance an outstanding presentation.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be included to supplement a social studies lesson.

Gather other African American folktales such as:

Virginia Hamilton. WHEN BIRDS COULD TALK & BATS COULD SING : THE ADVENTURES OF BRUH SPARROW, SIS WREN, AND THEIR FRIENDS. ISBN 059047372
Virginia Hamilton. THE PEOPLE COULD FLY: THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 037582405
Kim L. Siegelson. IN THE TIME OF THE DRUMS. ISBN 0786823860

Read other folktales adapted or retold by Robert D. San Souci:
Robert D. San Souci. SISTER TRICKSTERS: ROLLICKING TALES OF CLEVER FEMALES. ISBN 087483791X
Robert D. San Souci. SONG OF SEDNA. ISBN 0385158661Robert D. San Souci. THE LEGEND OF SCARFACE : A BLACKFEET INDIAN TALE. ISBN 0440413583