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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. Review: Superb!!! - Great!!! Review: Stunning - 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.
| Best Sellers Rank | #57,694 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #22 in Children's Literary Criticism & Collections #38 in Children's Social Activists Biographies (Books) #106 in Children's Multicultural Biographies |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,552 Reviews |
D**K
Superb!!!
Great!!!
A**R
Stunning
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.
T**J
Absolutely Beautiful Book for a Child or Adult
This is an absolutely beautiful book that chronicles the strength of Blacks in society. The words are moving and poetic, while the illustrations allow you to see the strength of a people . This book is timeless but perfect for this time. I encourage all races of people to purchase this book. It is not Black History, it is American History. Add this book to your library.
A**S
Inspiring-RelevantA Shining Light
Undefeated is a book everyone should own. Told through the Light in the faces, the Light in the words, the Light shining through and off of many colors of skin; Kwame Alexander tells a story of the indomitable human spirit through his amazing images and carfully chosen uplifting words. Dealing with the heavy topics of history far and near, the message of always reaching beyond that which can defeat us reaches though the interwoven words and images. All is never lost...this is made clear in this artful expose' of the undefatigible human spirit.
L**E
Buy this book!
Stunning. Meaningful. Provoking. I purchased this after seeing the artist on Sunday Morning w/Jane Pauley. I was so moved by the artist. I ordered the book and am so thankful that I did. It is a piece of art and is an incredibly moving and powerful testimony to the strength and determination of so many.
H**L
TRUTH
This is a masterpiece for anyone interested in REAL American history. I bought this to read to my 2 year old son because he needs to know these heroes and their stories. He needs to know of the unspeakable things that our country did 400 years ago, and today. The Undefeated is a hauntingly beautiful ode to those who suffered, and those who triumphed. This should be required reading for all kids in American schools.
B**J
Fantastic!
I love this book. The writing and illustrations are phenomenal. I really appreciate the further mini-bios and event explanations in the back of the book. I read this to my high school literacy classes and most of them seemed to enjoy it (I mean, they are high school students - some will complain just for spite). Lots of teachable moments while reading.
A**.
Unforgivable Blackness! Beautiful!
We saw the artist on CBS Sunday Morning and immediately ordered the book on Amazon. The images are beautiful! The book is bigger than I realized which was a nice surprise. I pull it out for our 3 elementary age brown babies so they can look through it and read the words and absorb. I love it so much I sent one to my girlfriend who is raising 2 brown boys of her own. It's a beautiful book and I'm so to own it!
S**I
Excellent book
Beautiful illustrations. Beautiful poem. Excellent addition to my classroom.
R**R
Stark, stunning, strong and important
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.
E**A
Libro meraviglioso ma rovinato !
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.
S**N
It is a lovely book for all ages!
The illustrations are wonderful.
P**H
Outstanding
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.
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