Mike Fink 

retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Folk Literature

This retelling of the tall tale, Mike Fink, is quite an exciting and captivating story.  The illustrations coupled with the text give readers a clear picture of the elaborate tale of this rugged American frontiersman.  The tale tells the story of Mike Fink who is a strong and superhuman boy who sets out to become a Keelboatman. Keelboatmen were cargo men notoriously known for their strength and rowdiness.  This tall tale like every tall tale, is larger than life and tells stories of impossible occurrences, such as Mike being "hurled hundreds of miles into the heart of the Rocky Mountains." I would use this piece of literature to integrate literature with social studies in the classroom.  Tall tales are great ways for children to become familiar with historical events through an over-the-top fictional story.  Tall tales also allow children to use their imagination by allowing them to think about the impossible.  Yet another way I could use tall tales in the classroom is to use it as a platform for descriptive and creative writing.  I may have students read Mike Fink and then have them write their own tall tale to explain a historical event.