The Undefeated
Age 5+
Picture Books
This is for the unforgettable. The unafraid. The undefeated.
From New York Times bestselling-author Kwame Alexander comes this powerful and important ode to black history: the strength and bravery of everyday people and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest artists, athletes, and activists.
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.
Creators
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and the New York Times bestselling author of 28+ books, including The Undefeated, Booked and Rebound, the follow-up to his Newbery medal-winning middle grade novel, The Crossover. He’s also the Founding Editor of Versify, an imprint that publishes fiction and poetry for children and young adults.
Kadir Nelson is an American artist who currently exhibits his artwork in galleries and museums nationwide and abroad. He has created artwork for a host of distinguished clients including Sports Illustrated, The Coca-Cola Company and Dreamworks SKG as the lead conceptual artist creating for Steven Spielberg's Oscar nominated feature film, Amistad. He has created artwork for albums by Michael Jackson and Drake, and is the creator of several bestselling picture books.
Reviews
A powerful tribute to the African-American experience…This book will fill readers with a sense of the wealth and the cost of history.
New York Times
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
An incredible connector text for young readers eager to graduate to weighty conversations about our yesterday, our now, and our tomorrow
Kirkus, starred review
Alexander’s magnificent anthem to the courage and genius of black Americans is paired with stunning portraits by Nelson.
Publishers Weekly
Three double page spreads in particular… make the reader stop and take a jagged breath or two: the imagery and the rhythm of those pages really convey the grief and anger at the terrible injustices that have been visited on black lives.
BookTrust
