The Undefeated

                                                                                Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Alexander, K. (2019). The undefeated. Versify Publishing.

ISBN 1328780961


Plot Summary- 

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.


Critical Analysis-

The overall tone of this story is triumph with subtle, and concise acknowledgment of the brutalization and oppression Black Americans have faced and continue to face throughout history. Alexander’s lyrical text and Nelson’s vibrant illustrations pair to create a moving reading experience. The Undefeated looks at the history of African Americans and how they have been able to make their way in society despite many obstacles. It several historical figures whose stories are not well known, but who paved the way for others to succeed. This book can be used as a window or mirror in a classroom as well as a text to begin discussions around racial inequality and social justice. The book ends with a letter from Alexander expressing his motivation for and process of writing The Undefeated, which is then followed by a glossary of historical figures and events that are featured throughout the book. The glossary serves as an amazing resource and tool to ground textual analysis, guide discussion, or even inspire a targeted research project. 


Review Excerpts-

2020 Caldecott Medal Award winner
2020 Newbery Honor Book
2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner

"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  


Connections-

-Students can watch a video of Kwame Alexander’s dramatic reading of The Undefeated https://youtu.be/pLCLX8xW11k

-Throughout The Undefeated, Alexander references significant texts from Black history. These references appear in italics throughout the book. Explore the origins of these quotes with your students, considering how the lines from these poems, speeches, and songs fit into the narrative arc of the poem. These references include:

~Gwendolyn Brooks’ “We Real Cool” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/28112/we-real-cool

~Langston Hughes’ “The Weary Blues” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47347/the-weary-blues

~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Nobel Lecture (“The majestic shores of the promised land”) https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1964/king/lecture/

~Malcom X’s Speech at the Founding Rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (“by any means necessary”) https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/speeches-african-american-history/1964-malcolm-x-sspeech-founding-rally-organization-afro-american-unity/

*From National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Website: https://freedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TR_5_TheUndefeated_210229_v03.pdf                                   

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