Alexander, Kwame. 2019. THE UNDEFEATED. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Versitfy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-1-32878-096-6.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
Heartbreaking and inspiring! The Undefeated tells the tale of African Americans, from their forced, involuntary migration to the new world to their progressing, but complicated present. It is the story of thriving despite the odds against them. It chronicles the successes in the different sects of society-arts, sports, politics- as well as the tragedies that continue to happen. The beautiful illustrations by Kadir Nelson bring the generations of people alive on the page.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
This is possibly one of my favorite books of all time! Alexander’s words are commanding and compelling, and Nelson’s illustrations are absolutely stunning. This book is an ode to the generations of a people group whose story is deplorable, yet determined.
This picture book is written as a poem. Some pages only contain one sentence, while others have a stanza or two. Although the words are few, they are very potent. Alexander uses several allusions in his text, to songs, poetry and other works that are well known. Italics are used to indicate references. The font size is also manipulated to give attention to some of the words and phrases he uses.
The repetition used for emphasis of “This is for the unspeakable,” is heart wrenching. The illustrations show the crowded bottom of a slave ship, then the broken glass in framed pictures of the girls who lost their lives in the bombing of the church in Birmingham, and a present day memorial for lives lost to police violence. Each is a testimony to appalling injustice and racism that has spanned through generations of one culture, one race of Americans.
Kadir Nelson has a way of expressing fortitude and defeat on the faces of the people. They look tired, but resolute. The detail of their muscles convey immense strength. The colors and contrasts of their skin shine with brilliance. He also pays great attention to the historical time-period norms, such as hair styles and clothes. He illustrates unnamed characters, but also many famous people including Dr. Martin Luther King, Muhammed Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, and Wilma Ruldolph.
The way Nelson uses blank space is also so poignant. Early on in the book there is a page with the words, “The ones who survived America by any means necessary,” with an illustration of a family, and then the next page continues with the words, “and the ones who didn’t,” with a completely blank page. It is haunting. It is the tragic truth of the story that needs to be told and remembered.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred, February 2019
Caldecott Medal, 2020
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 2020
Horn Book Magazine starred, March 2019: “Alexander and Nelson honor the achievements, courage, and perseverance of ordinary black people as well as prominent black artists, athletes, and activists.”
Kirkus Reviews starred, February 2019: “Past and present are quilted together in this innovative overview of black Americans’ triumphs and challenges in the United States. Alexander’s poetry possesses a straightforward, sophisticated, steady rhythm that, paired with Nelson’s detail-oriented oil paintings, carries readers through generations chronicling “the unforgettable,” “the undeniable,” “the unflappable,” and “the righteous marching ones,” alongside “the unspeakable” events that shape the history of black Americans.”
Newbery Honor, 2020
Publishers Weekly starred, February 2019
School Library Journal starred, April 2019
E. CONNECTIONS
This exceptional picture book speaks to the African American experience. There are other inspirational picture books that could easily complement this work, like Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, A place inside of me: a poem to heal the heart, by Zetta Elliott, Black Magic by Dinah Johnson, and This is the Dream by Diane ZuHone Shore.
Watch Kwame Alexander read this amazing books: BBC Scotland video
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