Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Versify (2019), Edition: Illustrated, 40 pages
Description
Juvenile Nonfiction. Multi-Cultural. Geography. HTML: Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal A 2020 Newbery Honor Book Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award 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..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Celebrated poet and author Kwame Alexander, whose children's novel in verse, The Crossover, was awarded the Newbery Medal in 2015, presents a "love letter to black America" in this new picture-book, published as part of his new "Versify" imprint with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. His poem, which
Although quite aware of Kwame Alexander's work, The Undefeated is the first of his books I have picked up. Kadir Nelson, on the other hand, is someone whose beautiful illustrations I have experienced many times. Given Alexander's reputation, and my love of everything Nelson does, I was surprised to find that, despite the worthy aim of the book, and my great appreciation for the visuals, I was mostly unmoved by the poem itself. I appreciate the message, and certainly agree that there are many outstanding people in African-American history, people who have broken barriers of all kinds and confronted injustices great and small, but the text here just didn't speak to me. It felt almost like a list of statements, strung together. The reader's reaction to poetry is tricky of course, and highly idiosyncratic, so what I found pedestrian (despite the poignant topic), others might find very powerful. My favorite part of the book, textually speaking, was the detailed afterword, which gave information about all of the many people depicted in Kadir Nelson's artwork. That said, I did wonder a bit at Alexander's contention in his afterword that the subject(s) of his poem had been left out of American history, given the wealth of children's books published, just in the last few years alone, about the general historic themes of the book, and some of the specific people profiled. Of the subjects covered, and the people profiled, probably the only ones that are relatively unknown and/or neglected are the visual artists and painters. Everything else is well-trodden ground.
Despite my lackluster reaction to the text here, I did find The Undefeated a powerful reading experience, due to Kadir Nelson's gorgeous artwork, done in oil paint. Visually beautiful, emotionally expressive, immensely well-designed, the illustrative choices made here were brilliant. The choice to have a blank two-page spread, when mentioning those who did not survive, makes a powerful statement. Sometimes less is more. The final spread, showing today's young African-American children, is particularly beautiful, but all of the illustrations are lovely. This is one I would recommend wholeheartedly to Nelson fans, and, with the proviso that I didn't care for the poem itself, to anyone looking for picture-books which grapple with the African-American experience.
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highlights many heroic and noteworthy people of African-American descent - people from many different professions, who lived in different times - is an ode to "the dreamers and doers" that have left the community undefeated, despite the many injustices they have endured, and challenges they have faced. Alexander's simple words are paired with illustrator Kadir Nelson's gorgeous illustrations, while an extensive afterword profiles all of the people depicted in the artwork.Although quite aware of Kwame Alexander's work, The Undefeated is the first of his books I have picked up. Kadir Nelson, on the other hand, is someone whose beautiful illustrations I have experienced many times. Given Alexander's reputation, and my love of everything Nelson does, I was surprised to find that, despite the worthy aim of the book, and my great appreciation for the visuals, I was mostly unmoved by the poem itself. I appreciate the message, and certainly agree that there are many outstanding people in African-American history, people who have broken barriers of all kinds and confronted injustices great and small, but the text here just didn't speak to me. It felt almost like a list of statements, strung together. The reader's reaction to poetry is tricky of course, and highly idiosyncratic, so what I found pedestrian (despite the poignant topic), others might find very powerful. My favorite part of the book, textually speaking, was the detailed afterword, which gave information about all of the many people depicted in Kadir Nelson's artwork. That said, I did wonder a bit at Alexander's contention in his afterword that the subject(s) of his poem had been left out of American history, given the wealth of children's books published, just in the last few years alone, about the general historic themes of the book, and some of the specific people profiled. Of the subjects covered, and the people profiled, probably the only ones that are relatively unknown and/or neglected are the visual artists and painters. Everything else is well-trodden ground.
Despite my lackluster reaction to the text here, I did find The Undefeated a powerful reading experience, due to Kadir Nelson's gorgeous artwork, done in oil paint. Visually beautiful, emotionally expressive, immensely well-designed, the illustrative choices made here were brilliant. The choice to have a blank two-page spread, when mentioning those who did not survive, makes a powerful statement. Sometimes less is more. The final spread, showing today's young African-American children, is particularly beautiful, but all of the illustrations are lovely. This is one I would recommend wholeheartedly to Nelson fans, and, with the proviso that I didn't care for the poem itself, to anyone looking for picture-books which grapple with the African-American experience.
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LibraryThing member villemezbrown
Goodreads Choice Awards Project: Read as many of the Best Picture Book nominees as possible. 3 to go!
I'm not a fan of poetry, and this one fell flat the first time through reading it myself. I tried the free audio download offered online and was much more impressed. The art is gorgeous, and short
I'm not a fan of poetry, and this one fell flat the first time through reading it myself. I tried the free audio download offered online and was much more impressed. The art is gorgeous, and short
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bios of the prominent African Americans featured in it are in the end matter. It may be a bit of a heavy read for young children, but is obviously a good way to introduce some huge topics when they are ready. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibrarianRyan
This new book is an illustrated poem the author wrote for his daughter after Obama was elected President. The poem is great on it’s own, the illustrations make it amazing. In my review I can not do justice to this work of art, but I can say I love it!
#BBRC #AtoZ
#BBRC #AtoZ
LibraryThing member nbmars
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
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 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.
The magnficent oils by Nelson are mesmerizing by themselves, but the
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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 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.
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LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
A poem that celebrates Black America and its enduring resilience, passion, and imagination. Accessible, dramatic, confident; a poem that is ode to history. Back matter has brief bios of all the celebrated faces that appear in the book.
LibraryThing member lflareads
Wonderful informational book about some of the top African American leaders. Motivating and an excellent book to share in every classroom and with all grade levels!
LibraryThing member bell7
A poem first used in an ESPN The Undefeated presentation, The Undefeated celebrates the history and accomplishments of African Americans, in picture book format.
The lovely flowing language poignantly recognizes the hard history of racism and oppression in our "imperfect Union" while hopefully
The lovely flowing language poignantly recognizes the hard history of racism and oppression in our "imperfect Union" while hopefully
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describing "The sophisticated ones / who box adversity / and tackle vision". The beautiful paintings by Kadir Nelson complement the text perfectly, and include many figures that adults, if not the children they're reading to, will recognize from sports, music, and the civil rights movement. At the end, an Afterword explains the origins of the poems, and there are short biographies identifying each person pictured in the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member emwalker97
This is an inspiring, poetic story that gives us insight to the resilience seen in African American history and culture. I would use this in a history classroom to teach students about the suffering black people have endured and the strength they had to overcome it. This book was fantastic, and
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truly inspiring! Show Less
LibraryThing member Whisper1
It is difficult to find the right words to frame this book dedicated to "the ones who survived America by ay means necessary, for the undeniable, the unflappable, those who shine, to the unafraid, the righteous marching singing "we Shall Not Be Moved," for the unspeakable, unlimited, the dreamers,
This book is Magnificent, Incredible, Inspiring, Hopeful and a host of other words that shine to affirm the awards received and the words writtten!
Filled with images of those who went before, this is a testament to the power of those who keep trying, crying, moving, doing, it truly is a stellar book to honor those who shall overcome!
This is a five star read! It is a book not to be missed!
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the doers, the unbelievable, the unbending and the undefeated."This book is Magnificent, Incredible, Inspiring, Hopeful and a host of other words that shine to affirm the awards received and the words writtten!
Filled with images of those who went before, this is a testament to the power of those who keep trying, crying, moving, doing, it truly is a stellar book to honor those who shall overcome!
This is a five star read! It is a book not to be missed!
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LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin
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
This a thoroughly engaging, educating, upsetting, engrossing, saddening, and 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.
Back matter goes into much more detail about
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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 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.
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LibraryThing member reader1009
children's picture book in verse; black history/American history
powerful combination of poetry and illustrations that should speak to everyone; this deserves ALL THE STARS. Backmatter includes thoughtful, if sometimes brief, descriptions of the stories contained in the illustrations of each spread.
powerful combination of poetry and illustrations that should speak to everyone; this deserves ALL THE STARS. Backmatter includes thoughtful, if sometimes brief, descriptions of the stories contained in the illustrations of each spread.
Awards
National Book Award (Longlist — Young People's Literature — 2019)
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (Poetry — 2019)
Caldecott Medal (Medal Winner — 2020)
Kirkus Prize (Finalist — Young Readers' Literature — 2019)
Monarch Award (Nominee — 2021)
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
Red Clover Book Award (Nominee — 2021)
South Dakota Children's Book Awards (Nominee — 2022)
Newbery Medal (Honor Book — 2020)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — Elementary — 2022)
Bluestem Award (Nominee — 2021)
Oregon Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2022)
Coretta Scott King Award (Winner — 2020)
Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Winner — 2020)
Rhode Island Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2021)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration (Nominee — 2020)
Kids' Book Choice Awards (Finalist — 2020)
UKLA Book Award (Shortlist — 2021)
Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry (Honor Book — 2020)
Three Stars Book Award (Nominee — Young Readers — 2020)
NCTE Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels (Poetry — 2020)
NPR: Books We Love (2019)
CCBC Choices (2020)
Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2020)
Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Book (Primary — 2020)
Great Reads from Great Places (Virginia — 2020)
Notable Children's Book (Older Readers — 2020)
Nerdy Book Award (Nonfiction Picture Books — 2019)
Teacher Favorites Award (2020)
Penn GSE's Best Books for Young Readers (Selection — 2019)
Picture This Recommendation List (Nonfiction — 2020)
El día de los niños / El día de los libros (3-5 — 2020)
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids (Poetry — 2019)
Read for Empathy Collections (2021)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Informational Books for Younger Readers — 2019)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2019
Physical description
11 x 10.5 inches
ISBN
1328780961 / 9781328780966
Local notes
Purchased with funding from the Ashley Grant program of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.