Book Review: The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson

 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, K., & Nelson, K. (2019). The undefeated. Versify, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 978-1328780966

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

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.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I am embarrassed to say that I have this book in my school and personal library collections, but this is my first time reading it. Written as an ode, this poem brilliantly celebrates the past and the future. For example, it mentions specific names but acknowledges the “undiscovered.” It touches on past events and expresses how this culture was never defeated and “survived America by any means necessary.”  I liked how this poem bolded certain words to stress the significance of Alexander’s words as they related how these individuals were undefeated. The illustrations are so vivid and realistic. Nelson did a fantastic job of being authentic to color and facial features. The clothes illustrated also represented the different time periods accurately.  In this poem, I think the illustrations help tell the story.  Although the words in this poem were powerful, the illustrations were my favorite part. In my opinion, the illustrations demonstrate resilience and inspire change.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

- Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal

- A 2020 Newbery Honor Book

- Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Starred review in Kirkus Review: "Alexander's poetry possesses a straightforward, sophisticated, steady rhythm that, paired with Nelson's detail-oriented oil paintings, carries readers through generations...An incredible connector text for young readers eager to graduate to weighty conversations about our yesterday, our now, and our tomorrow."

Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: "[T]his magnificent anthem to the courage and genius of black Americans has been turned into a picture book with stunning portraits by Nelson....communicating clearly that when black lives matter, America is stronger." 

Starred review in Booklist: "A beautiful volume that encourages multiple viewings and further research...With a lengthy roster of accolades and best-seller credits between them, this untouchable duo's book will fly off the shelf."

Starred review in Horns Book: "Alexander and Nelson honor the achievements, courage, and perseverance of ordinary black people as well as prominent black artists, athletes, and activists....creating a through-line from past to present."

Starred review in Library Journal: "[A] poignant and powerful ode to the resilience and strength of black life and history in America.... Alexander and Nelson present an exceptionally moving and triumphant work. This book is an essential first purchase."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Engage students in a poetry writing activity, where they write authentic odes to celebrate something important to them. When done, they should share them with the class.   

*Have students work on a research project about some African American Historical Features. They would create a digital presentation for their projects and then present them to the class.   

*Coretta Scott King Award Winning Books

Barnes, D. D., & James, G. C. (2017). Crown: An ode to the fresh cut. Bolden, an Agate imprint. ISBN: 978-1572842243

Harrison, V. (2023). Big. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN: 978-0316353229

 Book review written for SHSU MLS course.

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