The Hired Hand

San Souci, Robert D. 1997. The hired hand. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803712960

Plot Summary

When Old Sam, the owner of a sawmill, and his shiftless son, Young Sam, hire a man to work for them they get more than they bargained for. The New Hand works hard and without complaint, despite Young Sam’s high and mighty airs. One day an old farmer comes to the mill complaining of a misery in his back. The New Hand offers to heal the old farmer, but tells Old Sam and Young Sam that they cannot be there to witness it. The New Hand uses his magic to turn the old farmer into wood, saw him into pieces, wash away his misery, and return him to life, health, and youth. Unbeknownst to the New Hand, Young Sam sneaks back to witness the magic. Later, when Old Sam is out of town, Young Sam’s biggity ways finally drive the New Hand away. When the farmer arrives at the mill seeking help for his old wife, Young Sam decides to try the magic himself, with disastrous results.

Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)

The Hired Hand is based on an African American version of an old folktale. This version of the  tale was first written down in 1871, though it has deeper roots in oral storytelling. In San Souci’s retelling, he keeps the essence of the Black dialect of the original story, which provides cultural authenticity. The magic ritual is told in poetic language, “Sawdust! Do what you must! Turn this skin an’ bone to wood, so my saw cut but don’ draw blood.”

Pinkney’s watercolor illustrations are colorful and capture the magic of the tale. In an illustrator’s note at the back of the book, Pinkney explains how he chose the setting for the story. Pinkney wanted to be historically accurate and thought he would have to set it after the Emancipation Proclamation, until his research revealed the existence of towns established by antislavery Quakers who welcomed free black craftsmen who could own their own sawmills. Pinkney’s attention to historical accuracy is reflected in his illustrations of characters in period clothing.

Review Excerpts

Publishers Weekly: “Seasoned collaborators San Souci and Pinkney weave themes of magic, rebirth and retribution into another splendid retelling of an African American folk tale.”

Connections

Other collaborations between Robert D. San Souci and Jerry Pinkney include:

San Souci, Robert D. 1988. Talking Eggs. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.

San Souci, Robert D. 1995. The Faithful Friend. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Simon & Schuster.

San Souci, Robert D. 1998. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. ISBN 9780689806681