Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499
The Crossover (Graphic Novel)
Ages 10–12 · 2014
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019 · Est. 2 min read-aloud
The Undefeated
By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
A tribute to the black individuals who paved the way for future generations in America.
40 pages· 254 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
$17.99Save 6%
Bookroo's summary
Dive into a powerful poem celebrating black American life, from the trauma of slavery to the triumphs of civil rights. With references to iconic voices like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Langston Hughes, this work honors past heroes and the enduring spirit of today. Discover the grit and perseverance that define a legacy of resilience and hope. Rich historical context awaits those eager to learn more.
"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 book
From the publisher
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.
At a glance
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 40
- Words
- 254
- Reading age
- 6–9
- Audience
- Picture
- Lexile
- ~361L
After the last page
Talk about it together
What page of the book was your favorite? Flip to the back of the book and see if you can find any additional information about the focus of the page.
Did anything in the book make you uncomfortable? While the sad parts of our history can be painful or uncomfortable to reflect on, why do you think it's important to be reminded of and learn about them?
If you are parenting a white child, talk to them about the history of racism and the events of this book. Continue learning about the civil rights movement, and celebrate Black accomplishments.
On the "this is for the unspeakable" pages, share what happened in a way that is appropriate for your child's age. It is good to know those things are unspeakable, but our kids need context around these events.
Inside the book
A peek between the covers
What readers & critics say
Reviews
5.5
out of 7
6.3
“This is powerful, moving, poetic, inspiring and poignant. A masterfully written and illustrated jumping-off point for delving deeper where it awakens interest.”
Marmee
Trusted reviewer
“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.”
School Library Journal
Critic
“An incredible connector text for young readers eager to graduate to weighty conversations about our yesterday, our now, and our tomorrow.”
Kirkus
Critic · Starred review
The author
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The illustrator
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The fine print
Book details
Reading levels
- ATOS
- 2.6
- F&P level
- ~K
- AR points
- 0.5
- AR interest level
- LG
Publication
- Published
- April 2, 2019
- Publisher
- Versify
Edition
- Language
- English
- Type
- Picture Book
- Text details
- The text type was set in 1822 Caslon. The display type was set in Burford Rustic. The byline type on the jacket was set in Halyard, a typeface designed by Joshua Dardem.
- Illustration details
- The artwork in this book was created using oils on panel.
Identifiers
- ISBN
- 9781328780966
- LCCN
- 2018035030
- OCLC
- 1077576840
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Top contributors: Kathy Ellen Davis · Marmee · Saranya