The Undefeated

This is an illustrated version of a beautiful poem by Kwame Alexander. The poem itself is a powerful interpretation of the Black experience in America. The illustrations are stunningly realistic, as is always the case with Kadir Nelson's exceptional art.

Back matter goes into much more detail about the history of the people seen in the illustrations and the meaning behind the poetic words, running the gamut from tragedies such as slavery and unarmed Black people murdered by the police to victories like sports achievements and famous artists. I learned quite a bit from this portion of the book, especially because my sports history knowledge is rather weak.

This a thoroughly engaging, educating, upsetting, engrossing, saddening, and show more uplifting piece of art. Every child and parent in America should be reading it together and discussing ways things have gotten better, ways things *need* to get better, and what they can do to help move progress along. show less

"Past and present are quilted together in this innovative overview of black Americans’ triumphs and challenges in the United States.

Alexander’s poetry possesses a straightforward, sophisticated, steady rhythm that, paired with Nelson’s detail-oriented oil paintings, carries readers through generations chronicling “the unforgettable,” “the undeniable,” “the unflappable,” and “the righteous marching ones,” alongside “the unspeakable” events that shape the history of black Americans. The illustrator layers images of black creators, martyrs, athletes, and neighbors onto blank white pages, patterns pages with the bodies of slaves stolen and traded, and extends a memorial to victims of police brutality like Sandra show more Bland and Michael Brown past the very edges of a double-page spread. Each movement of Alexander’s poem is a tribute to the ingenuity and resilience of black people in the U.S., with textual references to the writings of Gwendolyn Brooks, Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, and Malcolm X dotting stanzas in explicit recognition and grateful admiration. The book ends with a glossary of the figures acknowledged in the book and an afterword by the author that imprints the refrain “Black. Lives. Matter” into the collective soul of readers, encouraging them, like the cranes present throughout the book, to “keep rising.”

An incredible connector text for young readers eager to graduate to weighty conversations about our yesterday, our now, and our tomorrow. (Picture book/poetry. 6-12)" A Kirkus Starred Review, www.kirkusreviews.com show less

Kwame Alexander's book, The Undefeated is a beautifully written celebration of the perseverance of blacks throughout history and current times. This book evokes emotion. The poetry is powerful and joy to read. The illustrations, by Kadir Nelson, impactful. I appreciate the listing of iconic historical figures and events that Alexander presents throughout the book in the reference pages in the end. This book is not only a celebration of perseverance, but a reminder of those who did not survive and were taken by hatred. The introductory message striking…”This is a love letter to America. To black America…” and the afterward that Mr. Alexander writes provides insight to his process regarding the book. This is a book that can be show more used at any grade level, kindergarten through high school, with differing objectives. This is a book I will read every year to my students as we need to hear this message repeatedly. show less

The illustrations are incredible. The poem is indelible. The two together are a masterpiece. I cried when I reached The Unspeakable. I kept crying through to the end. Because, you see. Black Lives Matter. Period. As long as this nation does not accept Blacks as full citizens with All rights unrestricted... All opportunities, none denied... We cannot be great. Until the only response to the phrase "Black Lives Matter" is a resounding "well of course." From everyone without hesitation. And it's an older white lady saying this. Just in case you are confused.

Thank you, Mr. Alexander. Thank you, Mr. Nelson. You both are magical.

It’s hard to surpass the amount of talent that is represented by this combination of author (Kwame Alexander) and illustrator (Kadir Nelson). Together they have created a wonderful paean to African American heroes and heroines.

The magnficent oils by Nelson are mesmerizing by themselves, but the free verse by poet Alexander is stirring and inspirational.

It begins:

“This is for the unforgettable.
The swift and sweet ones
Who hurdled history
And opened a world
Of possible."

"The ones who survived
America
by any means necessary.
And the ones who didn’t.”

The poem, couched as a dedication, continues to pay tribute to people of color and the roles they played in American history. The final spread shows the faces of young black girls and boys show more with the words, “This is for us.”

It’s difficult to resist quoting the whole book - the poem is that good. In an Afterword, Alexander writes that he began this poem in 2008, the year his second daughter was born and Barack Obama became the first African American president. He says: “This poem was my tribute to both.” He notes that he wanted his daughters “to know how we got to this historic moment, or as the famous Mahalia Jackson spiritual says, ‘You know my soul look back and wonder / How did I make it over.’”

He also wanted his daughters, “all of you,” and even himself to be reminded:

“… never, ever give up, because, as Maya Angelou wrote, ‘We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

Following the Afterword there is a delineation of “Historical Figures and Events Featured in The Undefeated.”

Kadir Nelson offsets his outstanding paintings of notable African Americans on blank white pages, putting them in startling relief. The strength conveyed in his realistic oils are a fitting complement to the gravity and dignity conveyed in the book.

Evaluation: Both the poetry and the illustrations are magnificent. This is a must read, not only for Black History Month, but for any month. show less

"Past and present are quilted together in this innovative overview of black Americans’ triumphs and challenges in the United States.

Alexander’s poetry possesses a straightforward, sophisticated, steady rhythm that, paired with Nelson’s detail-oriented oil paintings, carries readers through generations chronicling “the unforgettable,” “the undeniable,” “the unflappable,” and “the righteous marching ones,” alongside “the unspeakable” events that shape the history of black Americans. The illustrator layers images of black creators, martyrs, athletes, and neighbors onto blank white pages, patterns pages with the bodies of slaves stolen and traded, and extends a memorial to victims of police brutality like Sandra show more Bland and Michael Brown past the very edges of a double-page spread. Each movement of Alexander’s poem is a tribute to the ingenuity and resilience of black people in the U.S., with textual references to the writings of Gwendolyn Brooks, Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, and Malcolm X dotting stanzas in explicit recognition and grateful admiration. The book ends with a glossary of the figures acknowledged in the book and an afterword by the author that imprints the refrain “Black. Lives. Matter” into the collective soul of readers, encouraging them, like the cranes present throughout the book, to “keep rising.”

An incredible connector text for young readers eager to graduate to weighty conversations about our yesterday, our now, and our tomorrow. (Picture book/poetry. 6-12)" A Kirkus Starred Review, www.kirkusreviews.com show less

This book is a beautiful poem written by Kwame Alexanader and is paired with stunning oil painting illustrations by Kadir Nelson. Both work together to create an experience that is both heart-wrenching and empowering. Alexander uses italicized lines in his poem to denote places where words are taken from songs or poems written by other Black authors. He uses impactful and memorable poetry techniques, such as repetition, alliteration, and a focus on the prefix "un." This book is captivating and shows how Black people in America have experienced and continue to experience suffering and tragedy at the hands of others and still continue to dream, make art, and contribute to society.
The afterword contains biographical information about the show more Black historical figures and events referenced in the poem and illustrations. show less