The Undefeated
Book - 2019
"The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree. Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more."--
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Publisher:
Boston :, Versify, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,, [2019]
Copyright Date:
©2019
ISBN:
9781328780966
1328780961
1328780961
Branch Call Number:
J 811.6 AL
Characteristics:
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 28 x 29 cm
Additional Contributors:
Opinion
From Library Staff
From Library Staff
Also available in the Virtual Library
This beautiful picture book is a powerful poetic tribute to the strength and resiliency of the black experience. The amazing combination of Alexander and Nelson is unbeatable - proven by this masterpiece's winning the ALA Caldecott Medal and a Newbery Honor Medal in the 2019 youth awards. Suitabl... Read More »
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JCLBeckyC
Feb 05, 2020
"I wanted to establish from the very beginning that much of what I'm talking about in this poem, so much of American history, has been forgotten, left out of the textbooks, and that to truly know who we are as a country, we have to accept and embrace all of our woes and wonders." --author Kwame Alexander
Comment
Add a CommentExtraordinary.
I really enjoyed reading this book to my son. The wording is great and the pictures are amazing. It was easy to show my 5 year old and explain who people are and what it the poem was discussing.
Every once in a while a book comes along that outshines the possible star ratings. This is one of them for me.
I am moved to tears each time I read it, to myself or aloud to children. Much deserving of the awards.
This magnificently illustrated poem accomplishes the goal author Kwame Alexander states in the afterward: "To truly know who we are as a country, we have to accept and embrace all of our woes and wonders." Be sure to spend some time reading about the "historical figures and events featured in The Undefeated" at the back of the book.
Amazing picture book which spotlights the life and accomplishments of many African-Americans. Topics covered are slavery, the civil rights movements and black heroes such as Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and others. Very deserving of the Caldecott Medal which it has won.
Inspiring poem with gorgeous illustrations. This is on the list for the Kansas City Mock Newbery and is most certainly a noteworthy book. Includes brief snippets on many of the historical figures and events pictured throughout.
A raw, rich poem, beautifully illustrated, that requires you to slow down and sit with these historic faces and their stories, acknowledging and applauding their efforts.
A beautiful and powerful poetic anthem to Afro-American strength, the struggles that have been overcome, and the hope for an even better future. Kadir Nelson's gorgeous images perfectly match the highs and lows of Kwame Alexander's dynamic poem.
Amazing. Beautiful. Powerful. This is art at its most impactful.
As a librarian (and, specifically, a children's librarian), I have read MANY MANY MANY books. Some of them have really moved me. This one actually gave me chills. It is a powerful, beautifully written and illustrated ode to African-American heroes both past and present. "The unspeakable. The unspeakable. The unspeakable." If this book doesn't win awards, it will be an absolute travesty. Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson are both gifts, as is this book.