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The Undefeated (Caldecott Medal Book) by [Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson]

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Kwame Alexander

The Undefeated (Caldecott Medal Book) Kindle Edition

by Kwame Alexander (Author), Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition

2,174 ratings

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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.

Reading age

6 - 9 years
Print length

40 pages
Language

English
Grade level

1 - 4
Publisher

Versify
Publication date

April 2, 2019
Page Flip

Not Enabled
Word Wise

Not Enabled
Enhanced typesetting

Not Enabled
ISBN-13

978-1328780966
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Editors' pick: This knockout pairing of two award winners, author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Kadir Nelson, will win a permanent home on your shelf."—Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor --This text refers to the paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3 Up-This inaugural title from Newbery Medalist Alexander's new imprint is a poignant and powerful ode to the resilience and strength of black life and history in America. Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated in 2016, the poem adopts a picture book format with a new title, accompanied by stunning oil paintings in Nelson's trademark photorealistic style. The evocative illustrations stand out against stark white backgrounds and vary in their composition. On some spreads, the focus is on a single expressive portrait; others feature collages of African American icons from various disciplines, or refer to significant historical moments. The art functions in perfect harmony with the poet's spare, striking verse to electrify the Black American experience, and to celebrate black athletes, writers, musicians, activists, and heroes. From the unspeakable trauma of American slavery and the transatlantic slave trade to the brave service of black troops during the Civil War, from the fierce and unwavering fight for civil rights to the Black Lives Matter movement, from Selma to Birmingham to Harlem, this book is both a soaring tribute to the enduring perseverance and achievements of the past and a stirring call to action to "the dreamers and the doers" of the present and the future. Back matter includes an afterword from the author as well as additional information about the historical figures and events featured in the book. VERDICT Alexander and Nelson present an exceptionally moving and triumphant work. This book is an essential first purchase for all libraries. -Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Elkins Park, PAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

About the Author

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and the New York Times best-selling author of more than thirty-five books, including Rebound, the follow-up to his Newbery medal–winning middle grade novel, The Crossover. Some of his other works include Booked, which was longlisted for the National Book Award, The Playbook: 52 Rules to Help You Aim, Shoot, and Score in this Game of Life, Swing, and the picture books Out of Wonder and The Undefeated, which was longlisted for the National Book Award and won the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

He is a regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, currently serving as their poet ambassador.

He lives with his family in the UK. Visit his website at www.kwamealexander.com or find him on Twitter and Instagram @kwamealexander.

Kadir Nelson is a two-time Caldecott Honor recipient. Among his other awards are an NAACP Image Award, and the 2009 and 2014 Coretta Scott King Author Award. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and The New Yorker. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.

www.kadirnelson.com
Twitter: @kadirnelson
Instagram:@kadirnelson

--This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Review

A Best Book of 2019 from: New York Times * NPR * Horn Book * Kirkus * Publishers Weekly * School Library Journal * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Raleigh News & Observer

New York Times Bestseller
National Book Award Longlist
Kirkus Prize Finalist

"[A] powerful tribute to the African-American experience, replete with joy and pride in the accomplishments of individual artists and athletes, leaders, and thinkers.... Poetry knows when to lean forward and when to pull back, and in 'The Undefeated,' Alexander has walked that line perfectly. This book will fill readers with a sense of the wealth and the cost of history."—New York Times Book Review

"Dramatic oil paintings expand on a deeply personal poem to showcase 'dreamers and doers,' united in solemn testimony: Black history matters."—San Francisco Chronicle

"An empowering look at the history of black Americans."—The Takeaway

"[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." —Publishers Weekly, STARRED 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." —Kirkus, STARRED review

"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." —Booklist, STARRED review

"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." —The Horn Book, STARRED review

"[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." —School Library Journal, STARRED review

--This text refers to the hardcover edition.

From the Author

Kwame Alexander is the New York Times Bestselling author of 25 books, including Rebound, the critically acclaimed prequel to the 2015 Newbery Medal-winning The Crossover. The recipient of the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award, Kwame lives with his family in Virginia.

www.kwamealexander.com
Twitter: @kwamealexander
Instagram: @kwamealexander

Kadir Nelson is a two-time Caldecott Honor recipient. Among his other awards are an NAACP Image Award, and the 2009 and 2014 Coretta Scott King Author Award. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and The New Yorker. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.

www.kadirnelson.com
Twitter: @kadirnelson
Instagram:@kadirnelson

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07FK7KQ6L
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Versify; Illustrated edition (April 2, 2019)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 2, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 8098 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
Lending ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #336,429 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #142 in Children's Poetry (Kindle Store)
- #162 in Children's People of Color Biographies
- #241 in Children's United States History Books

Customer Reviews:
2,174 ratings

About the author

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Kwame Alexander

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Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times Bestselling author of 35 books, including BECOMING MUHAMMAD ALI (co-authored with James Patterson), SOLO, REBOUND, which was shortlisted for prestigious UK Carnegie Medal, The Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor-winning picture book, THE UNDEFEATED, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, and, his NEWBERY medal-winning middle grade novel, THE CROSSOVER. A regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, Kwame is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. In 2018, he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded. Kwame is the Founding Editor of VERSIFY, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt that aims to Change the World One Word at a Time.

Kwame's most recent book is LIGHT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE: A THOUSAND WORDS ON RACE AND HOPE. Find out more info on Kwame and where he'll be at www.KwameAlexander.com.

Customer reviews

5 star		91%
4 star		6%
3 star		2%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Concrete Dovetail

Not very inspiring

Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2020

Verified Purchase

Not a bad idea but I was disappointed. This book felt more like a grievance than an inspiration. I was expecting a poem about the struggle against adversity. I think including the Black Lives matter movement was a mistake and should have instead more strongly projected the real heroes of the civil rights movement. Of course, the pictures are well done. There are a lot of great achievements of the African American community that were left out, including Jessye Norman’s amazing operatic talent. This feels like someone invoked the commercialized version of the African American experience in order to make some money. I could imagine this as a commercial to sell a pair of gym shoes or a piece of software. Some of it was "tropey". Overall this appeals more to the short attention span of a twitter audience than a story with more depth, such as the book that won a few years ago about an African American artist. It suddenly dawns on me: Maybe the Undefeated is the clear winner because it captures the current state of our limited and social media compromised collective consciousness.

32 people found this helpful

Helpful

BooHoney

Beautiful Book

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2020

Verified Purchase

Let me begin by saying I have dozens of years worth of Caldecott and Newberry books in my personal collection and this beautiful book is worthy of neither...unless the criteria for selection has changed. I always believed that the Caldecott Honor belonged to a picture book judged not by the quality of the artwork but how beautifully the pictures tell the story. A few years ago the award went to a book without any words. If I were not yet a "reader", I would have totally understood the story being told! I understood the Newberry award went to the best story book published during the year. This book, though lovely and powerful. IS NOT STORY! Explain to me how a 4 or 5 year old can look through these outstanding pictures and tell me about the "story?" C'mon Librarians, is UNDEFEATED the best book for these awards? P.S. I spent 35 years in primary, public education!

15 people found this helpful

Helpful

Lisa M. Hale

Kwame Alexander Inspires

Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2019

Verified Purchase

This is a powerful book and belongs in every school library. It made me cry, it gave me chills, it inspired me. I love it! The author and illustrator will impact countless lives with their gifts. Creatively crafted sentences tell the story of African Americans that all children should know and respect. Highly recommend this book.

23 people found this helpful

Helpful

Tanya G. Marshall

Beautiful Book

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2019

Verified Purchase

This is such a beautiful book filled with amazing facts that ALL people need to know. I am an elementary school teacher and a mother. I use this book in the classroom with my students (all year long, NOT just for Black History Month) plus I use it at home with my son. We all love this book!

14 people found this helpful

Helpful

Crystal

A Must Have B♡♡K!

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2019

Verified Purchase

I loved this book! Mr. Alexander's poem was beautifully written and captured the essence and significance of African Americans throughout history. Mr. Nelson's powerful artwork brought Mr. Alexander's words to life. After reading this book, hopefully your voice will be lifted, and you will use it to inform, empower, and inspire others. I am grateful that this dynamic duo created a picture book that needs to be shared with every adult and child.

14 people found this helpful

Helpful

MillertimeUSNA

Important book

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2020

Verified Purchase

This is a very moving book. I think it’s an important one in every library. This book comes from a place strength and resilience that is truly soul grabbing. I appreciate that the author took the time to outline more resources and his own sentiments about the book in the back. There is a drawing of a slave ship hold, in case your shopping for very young audiences. I read it without hesitation to my kids ages 5 and up.

8 people found this helpful

Helpful

Amazon Customer

Stunning

Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020

Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my little because it was recommended by A critiquer that I follow--I'd never heard of it before.
As with every book, I read it myself before I read it to her. And it truly beautiful--the artwork, the words, the message... The whole thing brought tears to my eyes. It is something I believe is a must-have for people with small children regardless of their race or ethnicity. I bought it because I want my little girl to know actual history and be able to understand and empathize with people who are different for her. I cannot say enough good things about this book. To the authors and illustrators, thank you for making this book happen.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Stacey Foster

Breathtakingly powerful

Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2019

Verified Purchase

I wish that I had the words to express what a powerful book this is. It literally took my breath away. I am counting down the seconds until I can share it with my class. Well done, Mr. Alexander and Mr. Nelson.

9 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

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Red Bus Book Lover

Stark, stunning, strong and important

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2020

Verified Purchase

A new picture book poem about Black History. Very stark in places (e.g. alludes to innocent people’s deaths such as Trayvon Martin and the 16th Street Baptist St bombing) but also very powerful and empowering, it pulls out many key heroes from all fields. A useful section at the back with a short paragraph on each person included.

One person found this helpful

Outstanding

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2020

Verified Purchase

An excellent book, and I cannot wait to share it in school with my pupils. I am already planning ways to use it as well as just haivng it as a reader.

april

great pictures

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2020

Verified Purchase

strong text, supreme illustrations...

MISS L J TURNER

My son loves this book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2020

Verified Purchase

Fantastic book for my 7 year old son.

elisabetta

Libro meraviglioso ma rovinato !

Reviewed in Italy on November 13, 2021

Verified Purchase

The Undefeated è un albo illustrato di qualità superba! Con poche parole scelte attentamente l’autore arriva diritto al punto: “black lives matter”. Le illustrazioni, anche quando non ci sono, portano con se mille significati a sottolineare la tematica: brotherhood and non - violent social change. MA AMAZON, non ci siamo: come si può consegnare un libro in queste condizioni? La sovracopertina è sporca di … bagnoschiuma? Detersivo? E così gli angoli del libro. Negativo! Più cura grazie.