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The Undefeated
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2019)This is a love letter to America. To black America. To the grit, passion, and perseverance of our greatest artists, athletes, and activists. To the dreamers. To the strength and bravery of everyday people caught in the web of history.
With references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, this poem digs into the not-so-distant past to underline the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present.
With references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, this poem digs into the not-so-distant past to underline the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2019
87 people are currently reading
5,510 people want to read
About the author
Kwame Alexander
73 books3,068 followersKwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book; Booked, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,598 reviews
December 5, 2019
All year I have been reading about civil rights in honor of the 100th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s birth. The year is about to end, but I think I found the best civil rights book yet. The Undefeated was nominated for Goodreads best picture book in 2019. With a collaboration between Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson, two American treasures, going in I knew I was in for a treat. Preconceived notions or not, they did not disappoint.
What I would write here would not do Alexander justice. I do not think I could say it any better than the front jacket cover:
“This is a love letter to America. To black America. To the grit, passion, and perseverance of our greatest artists, athletes, and activists. To the dreamers. To the strength and bravery of everyday people caught in the web of history.”
This special book belongs in all elementary school libraries. It is a gem and both author and illustration should be lauded for their achievements. I may revisit come African American history month just to admire the exquisite illustrations.
5 stars
What I would write here would not do Alexander justice. I do not think I could say it any better than the front jacket cover:
“This is a love letter to America. To black America. To the grit, passion, and perseverance of our greatest artists, athletes, and activists. To the dreamers. To the strength and bravery of everyday people caught in the web of history.”
This special book belongs in all elementary school libraries. It is a gem and both author and illustration should be lauded for their achievements. I may revisit come African American history month just to admire the exquisite illustrations.
5 stars
September 30, 2019
Stunning and unforgettable. Kwame Alexander’s poem accompanied by Kadir Nelson’s illustrations is a magical combination of thoughtful art. You can download a free audio version of his poem at hmhbooks.com/freedownloads, access code UNDEFEATED
Enjoy it yourself. Donate copies to schools. Ask your library to buy it. Read it to your kids’ classrooms. Whatever you do, revel in it, ponder it and then share it. And keep on sharing it.
Enjoy it yourself. Donate copies to schools. Ask your library to buy it. Read it to your kids’ classrooms. Whatever you do, revel in it, ponder it and then share it. And keep on sharing it.
February 5, 2022
Powerful and poetic look at black Americans who always remained undefeated in their hearts. If you know a young African American child who is having a hard time trying to deal with identify then this book will help. They will see that there are many who have struggled with the same issues they are facing - struggled and then ultimately won.
November 25, 2019
My family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books every year. This is book #10 (of more than 20) of 2019, and we thought it was good. It's not a narrative, but a kind of poetic depiction from Kwame Alexander of a range of "undefeated" African-Americans across history, beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The illustrations don't identify the people, but this comes with a short description of them in an appendix.
Hank (13): 3. Sending a good message for everyone but too repetitive.
Harry (14): 3. An inspirational book with beautiful pictures. I would have preferred seeing the names and descriptions next to the pictures instead of always having to flip to the back to see who they were.
Tara: 4. This was moving. A look at historical figures. Inspirational.
Dave: 3.5. The art puts this in a special category, dramatic and beautiful, but the writing I didn't find all that inspirational. And as a "poem" it feels a little flat and unoriginal. I knew all of the depicted characters, and know their stories, but I think young readers would need to know more about them to be really inspired. So it's a jumping off place where you use the appendix bios, I guess. It's mostly a list of people maybe more appealing to adults who know the people rather than children.
I posted this and then saw Deborah shared this, and Rod Brown said it was better to listen to the poem that read it, so repost:
For a free audio version of the poem, go to hmhbooks.com/freedownloads and enter UNDEFEATED as the access code.
Hank (13): 3. Sending a good message for everyone but too repetitive.
Harry (14): 3. An inspirational book with beautiful pictures. I would have preferred seeing the names and descriptions next to the pictures instead of always having to flip to the back to see who they were.
Tara: 4. This was moving. A look at historical figures. Inspirational.
Dave: 3.5. The art puts this in a special category, dramatic and beautiful, but the writing I didn't find all that inspirational. And as a "poem" it feels a little flat and unoriginal. I knew all of the depicted characters, and know their stories, but I think young readers would need to know more about them to be really inspired. So it's a jumping off place where you use the appendix bios, I guess. It's mostly a list of people maybe more appealing to adults who know the people rather than children.
I posted this and then saw Deborah shared this, and Rod Brown said it was better to listen to the poem that read it, so repost:
For a free audio version of the poem, go to hmhbooks.com/freedownloads and enter UNDEFEATED as the access code.
November 5, 2019
Kwame wrote this poem when Barack Obama was elected to office. It is a poem, a powerful poem, about the tenacity and strength of heritage of the African American. He wanted to make sure that things left out of history books like slavery and Jim Crow are not forgotten and he wanted to show the strength of character so many people have had to make it into our consciousness. Michael Brown of Ferguson MO is mentioned as are the great Jazz artists and athletes in history.
It is an ode to a people who have survived, overcome and still must overcome adversity and hardship. The artwork is like a collage, some bright and some dark. I won’t be surprised if this is up for a Caldecott this year.
This reads rather fast and we have been reading enough books like this that my nephew actually recognizes some faces in this book. He thought it was a decent book and appreciated its brevity. He gave this 3 stars.
It is an ode to a people who have survived, overcome and still must overcome adversity and hardship. The artwork is like a collage, some bright and some dark. I won’t be surprised if this is up for a Caldecott this year.
This reads rather fast and we have been reading enough books like this that my nephew actually recognizes some faces in this book. He thought it was a decent book and appreciated its brevity. He gave this 3 stars.
February 14, 2019
Kids learn American history through a process of osmosis, long before they’re taught the basics in elementary school. They pick up bits and pieces of it in a million different places, but never in any kind of a linear fashion. Thanks goodness WWI and WWII were consecutive, since otherwise my children would have no idea which happened when. Of course, when it comes to the history of race in America, the disjointed nature of what children learn is complicated incredibly by any number of factors. It is far from uncommon to have kids learn the name “Martin Luther King Jr.” long before they’re taught a word about systematic racism and oppression. What that means on the children’s book publishing side is complicated. For mainstream publishers, there’s no real obligation to lay down history in any kind of a systematic way for young readers. The result then is that you’ll get a lot of collective biographies or picture books about a specific moment in time. But there’s another way of tackling it, and that way is laid out in Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson’s, The Undefeated. Here, the past is presented in service of placing young readers in the context of history. If there are heroes on display here, it is so that they provide a framework for what today’s kids will accomplish tomorrow. By its very nature, a project like this could tip easily into pablum, boredom, or adult-centric meaningfulness. Instead, it’s amazing. Just that. Amazing.
Black words on white backgrounds. On the first page, a tribute. “This is for the unforgettable. The swift and sweet ones who hurdled history and opened a world of possible.” On the opposite page, Jesse Owens isn’t looking at us. He’s mid-leap, arms stretched, body suspended in the air, already moving out of the frame. The next page scales back. The people that squint in the bright sunlight are also framed against the white background, like they’re posing for a family portrait. They’re looking right at you and from their clothes you know they’re from the past. Even the baby doesn’t blink. The words read, “The ones who survived America by any means necessary.” And from here you need to put aside what you think this book is going to do. It couples the regular people with the superstars. The inspirational figures are on display, but so are people that survived without history remembering their names. There are moments that acknowledge slavery, bombings, police brutality, but after those moments are the people who fought and fight against those systems. The last page is of Black kids today. “This is for the undefeated. This is for you. And you. And you. This is for us.”
A librarian is, by its very nature, a resource for finding information. As such, a good librarian attempts to have at least a working knowledge on a variety of different subjects. Now I run a children’s book list committee out of my library. Each year we choose 101 great books for kids published that year, and every year I struggle to find enough sports books to fill the list. I don’t follow sports much myself but I know there are loads of kids that read and enjoy sports, so I try to find them great books. Now when I discovered this book I was perfectly willing to accept the explanation that it was just a poem that Mr. Alexander had wrote in 2008 for his second daughter and President Obama. But in the back of the book the Editor in Chief of ESPN’s website The Undefeated (“the premier platform for exploring the intersections of race, sports and culture”) writes, “We are proud that this poem has now become a book bearing our name.” And, indeed, on their site you can find a video of Kwame Alexander reading the sports sections of this poem. It’s a little tricky to piece together, but I think what we have here is a case where Kwame wrote the poem, the poem was given a title and recorded for ESPN, and then expanded and turned into a book for Kwame’s new HMH imprint Versify. An intersection of history and Black pride and poetry and sports all coming together at once. And like a poem, this book started in a million different places at once.
I think there is a mistaken belief in some circles that adapting a poem to a picture book is a simple matter of figuring out where the page breaks go. I suppose that would be true of a bad book, but if you want your material to carry any weight then you have to consider a million little details. For example, one choice the book makes early on is to present its subjects without naming them. When you read this book, the words pair with the images and even if you don’t have the ability to name the people on these pages, they’re still interesting to you. If the verses retain your interest, the art solidifies it. The names of the famous people are systematically listed in a section called “Historical Figures and Events Featured in The Undefeated” in the backmatter, and I couldn’t help but feel happy that that was where this information was kept. If this information had been worked into the art it would have left everything feeling cluttered. Even if it were just the names of the subjects, it would have distracted.
If you wanted to present this poem simply as a poem it would stand strong. But if you want it to be a picture book then you need just the right artist. Now, as a general rule, Kadir Nelson doesn’t slot neatly into a nice little box like other illustrators of children’s books. He’s an Illustrator with a capital “I” firmly in place and an Artist with an even more prominent capital “A”. Years ago when he wrote and illustrated his ode to the Negro Leagues in We Are the Ship I just figured the fact that he was a marvelous writer on top of being one of the best living artists of our times was a bit on the unfair side. Why should one man have that much talent? But Nelson hasn’t ever been just a children’s book illustrator. He’s a portrait artist one day, a New Yorker cover artist another, and a painter first and foremost. The last time he illustrated a book for kids it was the art for Sarvinder Naberhaus’s Blue Sky, White Stars, two years ago. It was a fine book but didn’t really tap into what makes a Nelson a Nelson. With this book, Kwame has managed to stir something deep and abiding in Kadir Nelson’s paintbrush. You’re not just feeling his talent with this book. You get the distinct impression that this project means something to him.
If Nelson has a cinematic equivalent, it is director Barry Jenkins. Jenkins has a technique he likes to use in his films of focusing the camera squarely on the face of a character, allowing them to look you, the audience, dead in the eye. It was shocking when he first did it with Moonlight and still arresting in If Beale Street Could Talk. But Mr. Jenkins didn’t invent the method and, quite frankly, sometimes it can feel like he’s treading in the shadow of Kadir Nelson. Subjects staring at the viewer dead on without shame or blinking or turning away? The man practically built his books We Are the Ship and Heart and Soul on the method. Then there is the fact that Nelson is unafraid of dark skin. We could get into a BIG discussion about race, skin color, and how those colors are represented on the pages of children’s picture books, but that’s a talk for another day. It is enough to simply say that when Kadir Nelson paints skin, he embraces the deep shifting tones. And, once again, like Barry Jenkins, he knows how to present his subjects. A Kadir Nelson book feels like a work of cinema or photography in that it indulges in a fascination with light and shadow.
So how do you use this book? Where does this book go once it has been sold? A bunch of ideas come to mind. As I mentioned before, the art and the text make it sufficiently fascinating for a one-on-one lapsit read. I can imagine a kid pointing to the different faces asking who they are, while the parent answers and gives context. How about reading it to large groups? The nice thing about reading a book written by a poet aloud is that you’re in safe hands when it comes to group settings. Not only will these images be visible from a distance, but the words will ring strong and true. What if you’re a teacher? Well, after doing an initial read to a class (I am very opposed to picking this book apart before you do this initial read, since you must allow the kids to experience the book as it was meant to be experienced) you could show the pictures and identify the people in them. Or you could separate out the different sections (art, history, sports, musicians, etc.) and explain why each person shown was important. Oh! How about examining the language? Let’s look at all the “un” words. Unforgettable, undeniable, unflappable, unafraid, unspeakable, unlimited, unbelievable. Think of what each one means and how he’s used it here. And if you’re truly creative you could do more, a lot more, with this book. Because if I’ve learned anything from teachers over the years it’s that if they’re passionate about a book, they’ll find a way to teach it in class. The trick is finding a book worthy of that enthusiasm. This book? Check and mate.
If you are a librarian or a bookseller, this is not the first book you’ve seen offering praise to Black heroes of the past. It’s just one of the best. Much of this has to do with the pitfalls it has adroitly avoided. This is not a rote accounting of names that mean little to child readers. If these people grace these pages it is because there is a larger meaning to their inclusion. Of course, I think the selection of Kadir Nelson was necessary to this book’s publication. When that man illustrates someone he makes them beautiful. What’s fascinating is that this beauty is produced as a kind of inner glow, as if the subject’s soul is radiating out of their very skin. Kwame says that when he wrote this poem for his daughter (and, in a way, for President Obama) he did so to remind everyone to never give up. Kwame Alexander’s words are grand. Kadir Nelson’s art soars. But when you put those two things together, and they work in tandem, they bring out the best in one another. Unrelenting, undeniable, unavoidable. Fail to read this book at your peril. I hope it is only the beginning.
For ages 4 and up.
Black words on white backgrounds. On the first page, a tribute. “This is for the unforgettable. The swift and sweet ones who hurdled history and opened a world of possible.” On the opposite page, Jesse Owens isn’t looking at us. He’s mid-leap, arms stretched, body suspended in the air, already moving out of the frame. The next page scales back. The people that squint in the bright sunlight are also framed against the white background, like they’re posing for a family portrait. They’re looking right at you and from their clothes you know they’re from the past. Even the baby doesn’t blink. The words read, “The ones who survived America by any means necessary.” And from here you need to put aside what you think this book is going to do. It couples the regular people with the superstars. The inspirational figures are on display, but so are people that survived without history remembering their names. There are moments that acknowledge slavery, bombings, police brutality, but after those moments are the people who fought and fight against those systems. The last page is of Black kids today. “This is for the undefeated. This is for you. And you. And you. This is for us.”
A librarian is, by its very nature, a resource for finding information. As such, a good librarian attempts to have at least a working knowledge on a variety of different subjects. Now I run a children’s book list committee out of my library. Each year we choose 101 great books for kids published that year, and every year I struggle to find enough sports books to fill the list. I don’t follow sports much myself but I know there are loads of kids that read and enjoy sports, so I try to find them great books. Now when I discovered this book I was perfectly willing to accept the explanation that it was just a poem that Mr. Alexander had wrote in 2008 for his second daughter and President Obama. But in the back of the book the Editor in Chief of ESPN’s website The Undefeated (“the premier platform for exploring the intersections of race, sports and culture”) writes, “We are proud that this poem has now become a book bearing our name.” And, indeed, on their site you can find a video of Kwame Alexander reading the sports sections of this poem. It’s a little tricky to piece together, but I think what we have here is a case where Kwame wrote the poem, the poem was given a title and recorded for ESPN, and then expanded and turned into a book for Kwame’s new HMH imprint Versify. An intersection of history and Black pride and poetry and sports all coming together at once. And like a poem, this book started in a million different places at once.
I think there is a mistaken belief in some circles that adapting a poem to a picture book is a simple matter of figuring out where the page breaks go. I suppose that would be true of a bad book, but if you want your material to carry any weight then you have to consider a million little details. For example, one choice the book makes early on is to present its subjects without naming them. When you read this book, the words pair with the images and even if you don’t have the ability to name the people on these pages, they’re still interesting to you. If the verses retain your interest, the art solidifies it. The names of the famous people are systematically listed in a section called “Historical Figures and Events Featured in The Undefeated” in the backmatter, and I couldn’t help but feel happy that that was where this information was kept. If this information had been worked into the art it would have left everything feeling cluttered. Even if it were just the names of the subjects, it would have distracted.
If you wanted to present this poem simply as a poem it would stand strong. But if you want it to be a picture book then you need just the right artist. Now, as a general rule, Kadir Nelson doesn’t slot neatly into a nice little box like other illustrators of children’s books. He’s an Illustrator with a capital “I” firmly in place and an Artist with an even more prominent capital “A”. Years ago when he wrote and illustrated his ode to the Negro Leagues in We Are the Ship I just figured the fact that he was a marvelous writer on top of being one of the best living artists of our times was a bit on the unfair side. Why should one man have that much talent? But Nelson hasn’t ever been just a children’s book illustrator. He’s a portrait artist one day, a New Yorker cover artist another, and a painter first and foremost. The last time he illustrated a book for kids it was the art for Sarvinder Naberhaus’s Blue Sky, White Stars, two years ago. It was a fine book but didn’t really tap into what makes a Nelson a Nelson. With this book, Kwame has managed to stir something deep and abiding in Kadir Nelson’s paintbrush. You’re not just feeling his talent with this book. You get the distinct impression that this project means something to him.
If Nelson has a cinematic equivalent, it is director Barry Jenkins. Jenkins has a technique he likes to use in his films of focusing the camera squarely on the face of a character, allowing them to look you, the audience, dead in the eye. It was shocking when he first did it with Moonlight and still arresting in If Beale Street Could Talk. But Mr. Jenkins didn’t invent the method and, quite frankly, sometimes it can feel like he’s treading in the shadow of Kadir Nelson. Subjects staring at the viewer dead on without shame or blinking or turning away? The man practically built his books We Are the Ship and Heart and Soul on the method. Then there is the fact that Nelson is unafraid of dark skin. We could get into a BIG discussion about race, skin color, and how those colors are represented on the pages of children’s picture books, but that’s a talk for another day. It is enough to simply say that when Kadir Nelson paints skin, he embraces the deep shifting tones. And, once again, like Barry Jenkins, he knows how to present his subjects. A Kadir Nelson book feels like a work of cinema or photography in that it indulges in a fascination with light and shadow.
So how do you use this book? Where does this book go once it has been sold? A bunch of ideas come to mind. As I mentioned before, the art and the text make it sufficiently fascinating for a one-on-one lapsit read. I can imagine a kid pointing to the different faces asking who they are, while the parent answers and gives context. How about reading it to large groups? The nice thing about reading a book written by a poet aloud is that you’re in safe hands when it comes to group settings. Not only will these images be visible from a distance, but the words will ring strong and true. What if you’re a teacher? Well, after doing an initial read to a class (I am very opposed to picking this book apart before you do this initial read, since you must allow the kids to experience the book as it was meant to be experienced) you could show the pictures and identify the people in them. Or you could separate out the different sections (art, history, sports, musicians, etc.) and explain why each person shown was important. Oh! How about examining the language? Let’s look at all the “un” words. Unforgettable, undeniable, unflappable, unafraid, unspeakable, unlimited, unbelievable. Think of what each one means and how he’s used it here. And if you’re truly creative you could do more, a lot more, with this book. Because if I’ve learned anything from teachers over the years it’s that if they’re passionate about a book, they’ll find a way to teach it in class. The trick is finding a book worthy of that enthusiasm. This book? Check and mate.
If you are a librarian or a bookseller, this is not the first book you’ve seen offering praise to Black heroes of the past. It’s just one of the best. Much of this has to do with the pitfalls it has adroitly avoided. This is not a rote accounting of names that mean little to child readers. If these people grace these pages it is because there is a larger meaning to their inclusion. Of course, I think the selection of Kadir Nelson was necessary to this book’s publication. When that man illustrates someone he makes them beautiful. What’s fascinating is that this beauty is produced as a kind of inner glow, as if the subject’s soul is radiating out of their very skin. Kwame says that when he wrote this poem for his daughter (and, in a way, for President Obama) he did so to remind everyone to never give up. Kwame Alexander’s words are grand. Kadir Nelson’s art soars. But when you put those two things together, and they work in tandem, they bring out the best in one another. Unrelenting, undeniable, unavoidable. Fail to read this book at your peril. I hope it is only the beginning.
For ages 4 and up.
November 27, 2020
This book is a poem about African American history, with accompanying illustrations. It definitely had an emotional impact, but I do wish it taught more. It has info about the people in the pictures, but it is located in the very back of the book. I think it would've had been more dynamic if the info was actually on the pages, with the line of poetry that it refers to, rather than being added as an afterthought that is all too easy to miss. As an adult I'll read the back of the book, but I don't imagine a lot of kids would. In the end I did like it, and the art was beautiful and rich in color, but I had to take a star away for missing the opportunity to engage and enlighten us about people whose stories need to be heard. I recommend it for ages 6 and up.
October 29, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
The Undefeated is a poetry picture book featuring the words of Kwame Alexander together with the watercolour illustrations of Kadir Nelson.
The poem was initially written by Kwame for his new daughter back in 2008 and for Ex-President Obama too. The words are powerful and are made more poignant by the beautiful illustrations that adorn nearly every page. As daft as it might sound the one page that didn’t have any illustrations felt the most powerful out of all of them.
The book is a celebration of black Americans, especially those that are overlooked in today’s society such as heavy-weight boxer Jack Johnson, writer Zora Neale Hurston, and golfer and tennis player Althea Gibson, amongst many, many more names, some will be familiar others not so much.
This is a book to show children to never give up, it reminds them that no matter what their status, gender, race, or background that if you truly want to achieve something you will with determination and a desire to keep going.
The book has a powerful, passionate message and includes a poem full of wisdom, some of the best illustrations I have ever seen and a glossary at the back with information on each person in the book.
The Undefeated is a poetry picture book featuring the words of Kwame Alexander together with the watercolour illustrations of Kadir Nelson.
The poem was initially written by Kwame for his new daughter back in 2008 and for Ex-President Obama too. The words are powerful and are made more poignant by the beautiful illustrations that adorn nearly every page. As daft as it might sound the one page that didn’t have any illustrations felt the most powerful out of all of them.
The book is a celebration of black Americans, especially those that are overlooked in today’s society such as heavy-weight boxer Jack Johnson, writer Zora Neale Hurston, and golfer and tennis player Althea Gibson, amongst many, many more names, some will be familiar others not so much.
This is a book to show children to never give up, it reminds them that no matter what their status, gender, race, or background that if you truly want to achieve something you will with determination and a desire to keep going.
The book has a powerful, passionate message and includes a poem full of wisdom, some of the best illustrations I have ever seen and a glossary at the back with information on each person in the book.
January 9, 2021
Update: January 2021 -- Even more powerful in the wake of 2020. A prescient book.
Original Review:
Rich oil portraits by Kadir Nelson illustrate this ode to African Americans past, present and future by poet Kwame Alexander. A minimal approach to page design -- lots of white space, as Alexander puts it -- emphasizes the power, beauty, and sometimes, the terrible impact, of each painting with only a few words or lines of poetry.
This is for the unafraid.
The audacious ones
who carried the red, white, and Weary Blues
on the battlefield
to save an imperfect Union.
The book just came out, Spring 2019, but Alexander began the poem in 2008 in honor of the birth of his daughter Samayah and the election of the first black U.S. president. But mostly I wrote a poem to remind Samayah and her friends and her family and all of you, and to remind myself, to never, ever give up, because, as Maya Angelou wrote, "We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. It may even be necessary to encounter the defeat, so that we can know who we are. So that we can see, oh, that happened, and I rose. I did get knocked down flat in front of the whole world, and I rose." Keep rising. -- Kwame Alexander, May 11, 2018.
The righteous marching ones
who sang we shall not be moved
because black lives matter.
End notes explain the historical figures and scenes commemorated in each painting. And the publisher provides a web link to hear Kwame Alexander performing the poem -- how great to listen to his passionate delivery as I paged through a third time -- though you will want to linger longer on each page than the reading allows.
This is for you, too -- a fantastic video where Alexander explains his long path through many defeats to success with his award-winning, internationally famous novel-in-poetry The Crossover -- turned down by something like 18 publishers because "no one reads poetry" and the main character is a boy and "boys don't read books." How sad is that?! And, as Alexander proved, not true: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a...
This is for the
undefeated.
This is for you.
And you.
And you.
This
is
for
us.
This is the first book by publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's new Versify imprint, curated by Alexander -- what a great venture: https://bookriot.com/2019/03/29/kwame...
Original Review:
Rich oil portraits by Kadir Nelson illustrate this ode to African Americans past, present and future by poet Kwame Alexander. A minimal approach to page design -- lots of white space, as Alexander puts it -- emphasizes the power, beauty, and sometimes, the terrible impact, of each painting with only a few words or lines of poetry.
This is for the unafraid.
The audacious ones
who carried the red, white, and Weary Blues
on the battlefield
to save an imperfect Union.
The book just came out, Spring 2019, but Alexander began the poem in 2008 in honor of the birth of his daughter Samayah and the election of the first black U.S. president. But mostly I wrote a poem to remind Samayah and her friends and her family and all of you, and to remind myself, to never, ever give up, because, as Maya Angelou wrote, "We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. It may even be necessary to encounter the defeat, so that we can know who we are. So that we can see, oh, that happened, and I rose. I did get knocked down flat in front of the whole world, and I rose." Keep rising. -- Kwame Alexander, May 11, 2018.
The righteous marching ones
who sang we shall not be moved
because black lives matter.
End notes explain the historical figures and scenes commemorated in each painting. And the publisher provides a web link to hear Kwame Alexander performing the poem -- how great to listen to his passionate delivery as I paged through a third time -- though you will want to linger longer on each page than the reading allows.
This is for you, too -- a fantastic video where Alexander explains his long path through many defeats to success with his award-winning, internationally famous novel-in-poetry The Crossover -- turned down by something like 18 publishers because "no one reads poetry" and the main character is a boy and "boys don't read books." How sad is that?! And, as Alexander proved, not true: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a...
This is for the
undefeated.
This is for you.
And you.
And you.
This
is
for
us.
This is the first book by publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's new Versify imprint, curated by Alexander -- what a great venture: https://bookriot.com/2019/03/29/kwame...
February 9, 2020
Simply beautiful, the poem is great and the illustrations are amazing and powerful. A great book to read during Black History Month and throughout the year.
April 21, 2019
This book is an illustrated poem, written by poet/author Kwame Alexander and illustrated by the talented Kadir Nelson. It is an ode to black Americans through history: both the "dreamers" and the "doers," who have made a difference, despite the many injustices endured and challenges faced. I was disappointed in myself for not recognizing more of these important contributors to social change and justice, and would have liked the people identified on each page (since the book was oversized anyway. In fact, I would have liked the entire profiles in the afterword on each page, but this would be a detraction from the poem itself and its primary audience (children.) Happy to have learned some history too.
October 19, 2019
The poem is dedicated to the African Americans who were undefeated, unforgettable, survived, died, undenied, unflappable, shined, and marched. It reminds us of the unspeakable acts committed against blacks and the talent, dreams, and bravery from the slaves to the celebrated. Black lives matter to all of us. Let us celebrate their rich heritage and endurance through this prose of the past and the future.
For a free audio version of the poem, go to hmhbooks.com/freedownloads and enter UNDEFEATED as the access code. Enjoy!!
For a free audio version of the poem, go to hmhbooks.com/freedownloads and enter UNDEFEATED as the access code. Enjoy!!
September 8, 2019
Powerful. Vital. Necessary. For all school and classroom libraries.
May 5, 2019
Two artists create a masterpiece.
The first few times I held this book and opened to a random page, I knew it and I needed a bit of solitude to become acquainted. Too easily distracted in a crowd, I didn't want my attention divided from the experience. A poem of American history, illustrated to ring its message.
The first few times I held this book and opened to a random page, I knew it and I needed a bit of solitude to become acquainted. Too easily distracted in a crowd, I didn't want my attention divided from the experience. A poem of American history, illustrated to ring its message.
October 18, 2020
With the passing of Walter Dean Myers in 2014, a question arose: who was the heir apparent to his literary legacy? Myers wrote proudly about black America from Colonial times to twenty-first century urban New York, yet wasn't afraid to challenge its culture where needed. His sophisticated understanding of art, philosophy, history, and social dynamics infused his writing with depth, emotion, and originality. Who could fill his shoes? Some might suggest Nikki Grimes, Marilyn Nelson, Derrick Barnes, or Jacqueline Woodson stepped into the role, and there's merit in any of those answers. I'm inclined to say it was Kwame Alexander, winner of the 2015 Newbery Medal for The Crossover and a 2020 Newbery Honor for The Undefeated. After Barack Obama was elected America's first black president in 2008, Alexander wrote this poem to praise the tenacity of black America in the face of all it went through since the days of the African slave trade. Having a black man occupy the White House less than one hundred fifty years after slavery officially ended was a miracle, and The Undefeated was written to celebrate it.
Athletes and activists, politicians and pastors, adolescents and adults have contributed to black America's progress. Just surviving was hard in the days of slavery; white owners could treat their blacks however they wished. Even killing them was not out of bounds. Countless good men and women died never tasting a single day of freedom, but even back then blacks found a way to lead meaningful lives. They cared for their families and fought as Union soldiers in the Civil War, on which their future depended. Would they end up free to chart their own destiny in America? Black artists and innovators flourished in the century after the war, using their liberty to do great things in music, literature, politics, medicine, and technology, yet work remained if America's founding principles were to be realized. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights crusaders of the 1960s refused to stay quiet about ongoing injustice in America; the guarantee of liberty had to extend to every race, or it was only an illusion. No country ever attains perfection, but a lot in America had changed for the better, and improvement would continue.
"This is for the unafraid.
The audacious ones
who carried the red, white, and Weary Blues
on the battlefield
to save an imperfect Union."
—from The Undefeated
Kwame Alexander's poetry is smooth and potent, like sweet jazz or classical piano, but what is the primary takeaway from The Undefeated? In my opinion, it's that black America shouldn't be seen as crippled by past injustices inflicted on it. Blacks survived being captured in Africa and sold in the New World as chattel; they survived vicious beatings and the denial of basic education, as well as legal discrimination in the era of Jim Crow, and racist lynchings that persisted into the latter half of the 1900s. Despite every nightmare foisted upon them, black America became a thriving populace whose mental elasticity and moral courage were their strongest assets. We all can take inspiration from their success: whoever you are, whatever your background, it is possible to move beyond a troubled past by focusing on creating a better future. Your dreams are waiting for you to arrive and inhabit them.
"This is for the unlimited,
unstoppable ones.
The dreamers
and doers
who swim
across The Big Sea
of our imagination
and show us
the majestic shores
of the promised land".
—from The Undefeated
I appreciate the variety of black historical figures in The Undefeated. Sprinter Jesse Owens and boxer Jack Johnson were all-time greats regardless of the stout social headwind they faced; Phillis Wheatley and Langston Hughes made valuable strides in literature, in two very different eras; John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr. peacefully advanced the cause of racial equality in the U.S.; and Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn added texture and energy to American music by injecting a dose of the black experience. There were many whose names we'll never know: men, women, and children who perished in the era of slavery protecting loved ones or fleeing to freedom. Their legacy lives on in future generations who desire to do the right thing, who uphold core American values. The Undefeated edges into controversial territory a few times, which limits its ability to speak to everyone. A few of the cited cases of young blacks killed by police don't serve the narrative; if someone is shot while assaulting a law officer, that isn't a racist incident. However, there is value in this book if you earnestly seek it, and Kadir Nelson's artwork is beyond reproach. He is among the great illustrators in the history of children's literature. I wouldn't have given The Undefeated a Newbery Honor—I'm not even sure I'd rate it the full two stars—but I'm pleased that Kadir Nelson finally won the Caldecott Medal. If you want a provocative picture book with a social message, this might be what you're looking for. It's a memorable read.
Athletes and activists, politicians and pastors, adolescents and adults have contributed to black America's progress. Just surviving was hard in the days of slavery; white owners could treat their blacks however they wished. Even killing them was not out of bounds. Countless good men and women died never tasting a single day of freedom, but even back then blacks found a way to lead meaningful lives. They cared for their families and fought as Union soldiers in the Civil War, on which their future depended. Would they end up free to chart their own destiny in America? Black artists and innovators flourished in the century after the war, using their liberty to do great things in music, literature, politics, medicine, and technology, yet work remained if America's founding principles were to be realized. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights crusaders of the 1960s refused to stay quiet about ongoing injustice in America; the guarantee of liberty had to extend to every race, or it was only an illusion. No country ever attains perfection, but a lot in America had changed for the better, and improvement would continue.
"This is for the unafraid.
The audacious ones
who carried the red, white, and Weary Blues
on the battlefield
to save an imperfect Union."
—from The Undefeated
Kwame Alexander's poetry is smooth and potent, like sweet jazz or classical piano, but what is the primary takeaway from The Undefeated? In my opinion, it's that black America shouldn't be seen as crippled by past injustices inflicted on it. Blacks survived being captured in Africa and sold in the New World as chattel; they survived vicious beatings and the denial of basic education, as well as legal discrimination in the era of Jim Crow, and racist lynchings that persisted into the latter half of the 1900s. Despite every nightmare foisted upon them, black America became a thriving populace whose mental elasticity and moral courage were their strongest assets. We all can take inspiration from their success: whoever you are, whatever your background, it is possible to move beyond a troubled past by focusing on creating a better future. Your dreams are waiting for you to arrive and inhabit them.
"This is for the unlimited,
unstoppable ones.
The dreamers
and doers
who swim
across The Big Sea
of our imagination
and show us
the majestic shores
of the promised land".
—from The Undefeated
I appreciate the variety of black historical figures in The Undefeated. Sprinter Jesse Owens and boxer Jack Johnson were all-time greats regardless of the stout social headwind they faced; Phillis Wheatley and Langston Hughes made valuable strides in literature, in two very different eras; John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr. peacefully advanced the cause of racial equality in the U.S.; and Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn added texture and energy to American music by injecting a dose of the black experience. There were many whose names we'll never know: men, women, and children who perished in the era of slavery protecting loved ones or fleeing to freedom. Their legacy lives on in future generations who desire to do the right thing, who uphold core American values. The Undefeated edges into controversial territory a few times, which limits its ability to speak to everyone. A few of the cited cases of young blacks killed by police don't serve the narrative; if someone is shot while assaulting a law officer, that isn't a racist incident. However, there is value in this book if you earnestly seek it, and Kadir Nelson's artwork is beyond reproach. He is among the great illustrators in the history of children's literature. I wouldn't have given The Undefeated a Newbery Honor—I'm not even sure I'd rate it the full two stars—but I'm pleased that Kadir Nelson finally won the Caldecott Medal. If you want a provocative picture book with a social message, this might be what you're looking for. It's a memorable read.
April 5, 2019
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 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.
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.
April 17, 2019
This book. Kwame's amazing poetry with Kadir's stirring illustrations will leave you with a lot of feelings. I can't describe how powerful this book is, other than to say you must read it and feel it.
April 27, 2019
I cried in the middle of the library while reading this book.
January 27, 2020
2020 Newbery honor, my committee year!
November 17, 2019
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 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.
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 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.
February 17, 2020
2020 Caldecott Medal for Kadir Nelson's photograhic inspired large, in your face, and beautiful illustrations.
A simple poem moving through the history of African-Americans with three middle pages of "unspeakable" and continuing tribulations. Accessible and curiosity sparking for Kindergarten and up.
A simple poem moving through the history of African-Americans with three middle pages of "unspeakable" and continuing tribulations. Accessible and curiosity sparking for Kindergarten and up.
January 7, 2020
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.
January 7, 2021
As a work of art, it's beautiful.
I think it's more for older readers than the younger picture book audience, though. As a picture book for young readers, it found it a bit lacking, which surprised me (I know this won the Caldecott and I'm a big fan of Kadir Nelson--his art here is amazing.) Perhaps I my expectations were too high. I think that picture books featuring characters who are feeling and doing in the context of an actual story will probably be easier for little ones to relate to and resonate more on an emotional level. The poem is perhaps too abstract for them.
Note that much historical knowledge is needed to fully appreciate the text and many children in the typical young "picture book" audience aren't going to know many/most of the historical events or figures represented by sight. Only some are mentioned by name in the text, which was a puzzling choice, IMO, especially given that Alexander mentions in his Author's Note that many of these figures have been ignored, so why not mention them all by name in the poem -- or at least in a footnote at the bottom of the page rather than saving it all for the back matter? And why mention only athletes by name in the poem when they are already more widely known than so many black scientists, artists, inventors, poets deserving of recognition... Context also needs to be brought to the historical events alluded to in the poem -- if children do know something about slave ships, the civil rights movement, the Harlem Renaissance, etc. the text is so vague they may not connect the dots. The back matter does list all the people and events represented, but it's just brief biographical blurbs, so I don't think it has the emotional resonance needed to engage young children. Also, as the inside flap states, Alexander has "references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes" -- but I don't think it's clear enough who gets the original credit. For example, in the line about the black soldiers in the Civil War: "This is for the unafraid. The audacious ones who carried the red, white, and Weary Blues on the battlefield to save an imperfect Union." Weary Blues is a poem by Langston Hughes but there is no mention of this in the biographical blurb about Hughes at the back of the book. Given the book's purpose, I feel more could have been done to spotlight the remarkable individuals, especially for those not already familiar with them or their work.
I think The Undefeated will probably work best for older kids (or adults) and is certainly an excellent springboard for conversation.
I think it's more for older readers than the younger picture book audience, though. As a picture book for young readers, it found it a bit lacking, which surprised me (I know this won the Caldecott and I'm a big fan of Kadir Nelson--his art here is amazing.) Perhaps I my expectations were too high. I think that picture books featuring characters who are feeling and doing in the context of an actual story will probably be easier for little ones to relate to and resonate more on an emotional level. The poem is perhaps too abstract for them.
Note that much historical knowledge is needed to fully appreciate the text and many children in the typical young "picture book" audience aren't going to know many/most of the historical events or figures represented by sight. Only some are mentioned by name in the text, which was a puzzling choice, IMO, especially given that Alexander mentions in his Author's Note that many of these figures have been ignored, so why not mention them all by name in the poem -- or at least in a footnote at the bottom of the page rather than saving it all for the back matter? And why mention only athletes by name in the poem when they are already more widely known than so many black scientists, artists, inventors, poets deserving of recognition... Context also needs to be brought to the historical events alluded to in the poem -- if children do know something about slave ships, the civil rights movement, the Harlem Renaissance, etc. the text is so vague they may not connect the dots. The back matter does list all the people and events represented, but it's just brief biographical blurbs, so I don't think it has the emotional resonance needed to engage young children. Also, as the inside flap states, Alexander has "references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes" -- but I don't think it's clear enough who gets the original credit. For example, in the line about the black soldiers in the Civil War: "This is for the unafraid. The audacious ones who carried the red, white, and Weary Blues on the battlefield to save an imperfect Union." Weary Blues is a poem by Langston Hughes but there is no mention of this in the biographical blurb about Hughes at the back of the book. Given the book's purpose, I feel more could have been done to spotlight the remarkable individuals, especially for those not already familiar with them or their work.
I think The Undefeated will probably work best for older kids (or adults) and is certainly an excellent springboard for conversation.
February 11, 2024
Words by Kwame Alexander and pictures by Kadir Nelson combine to form a perfect tribute to the courageous struggles of black Americans, through time, for justice, for equality, for a good life. Children and adults alike are left deeply moved after reading this powerful story of strength and persistence and endurance in the face of decades of torment and hatred and violence. This is a book that will be read and reread and shared again and again.
December 20, 2018
Powerful and important, this book is a must read. Kadir Nelson's illustrations reinforce the impact of Kwame Alexander's words. An amazing collaboration and a necessary purchase for all homes and libraries. Highly recommended for grades 3 & up.
F&G provided by author.
F&G provided by author.
April 21, 2019
Outstanding and brilliant.
Read
February 27, 2021This is a powerful picture book that links black history with black culture and present. The illustrations accompany prose that illuminate meanings but also give impact to the content rather than diminishing the message. It's a great read aloud and not *just* for Black History Month (or April: Poetry Month). Older grades and readers should note and make use of the index that has snippets and information about the historical figures and events. Teachers should note that there is a free audio download of this book being read by the author. Readers may also enjoy I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, and A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan. - Alexis S.
April 4, 2019
The poem is perfect. The illustrations are stunning. A powerful tribute to black genius, strength, and resilience without shying away from the truth of our history and our present. A must have for every library.
April 14, 2019
So much passion, sadness, and hope in these words and illustrations. This book is one to pair with some historical fiction and biographical texts to help students see how authors can bring out the theme of perseverance in many powerful ways.
February 8, 2020
Love the illustrations!
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