The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Published by Versify on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1328780961
Pages: 40
Goodreads

An oversize picture book that offers readers an experience from cover to cover. Stunning artwork from Kadir Nelson paired with the earnest, lyrical poetry of Alexander tells the story of the many black Americans who have contributed to the story and glory of this country. Alexander shared the poem on ESPN’s The Undefeated. He wrote the ode after his second daughter was born so that she would see heroes who looked like her, but this book can resonate with any audience and should be read widely. Mention of the slave trade, the bombing in Birmingham that killed four girls, and the police shootings of unarmed black citizens like Sandra Bland and Trayvon Martin make this a book for an older audience in terms of discussion, but it is not only a tool for conversations. It should be read with all children because it is necessary for our continued humanity for kids to see heroes of all skin colors.  Recommend for Cream of the Crop and for all library collections, public and school, elementary through high school.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth