The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.
Reviewed by Isabelle Grant. 

 “This is for the underdogs

and the uncertain,

the Unspoken

but no longer untitled”

The Undefeated is an illustrated poem honoring the incredible strength of the African American community. With sharp, smooth prose alongside masterful, oil painted illustrations, The Undefeated celebrates Black hope, joy, and resilience throughout American history. Weaving in references to historical figures and events across generations, Alexander plays tributes to well known Black heroes as well as everyday people who persevere in the face of injustice: “the undeniable, the unflappable, the unafraid, the audacious, the righteous, the unlimited, the dreamers, the undiscovered”.

The Undefeated’s triumphant tone is nuanced with concise, forthright acknowledgment of the brutalization and oppression Black Americans have faced and continue to face throughout history, “this is for the unspeakable.” 

 

Alexander’s lyrical prose and Nelson’s silky, vibrant illustrations pair to create a deeply moving reading experience. It is of absolutely no surprise that The Undefeated garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2020 Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor, with Kadir Nelson’s artwork also winning a Coretta Scott King Award.

A powerful celebration of Black excellence and resistance full of rich, descriptive language and eye-catching illustrations, The Undefeated is an excellent read at any grade level. This book can serve as both a window or mirror in your classroom and would be a wonderful anchor text to begin discussions around racial inequality and social justice. The book concludes with a letter from Alexander detailing his motivation for and process of writing The Undefeated, which is followed by a glossary of historical figures and events that are featured throughout the book. The glossary serves as an incredible resource and tool to ground textual analysis, guide discussion, or even inspire a targeted research project. 

 

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author. Alexander is the recipient of numerous awards including The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. He is also a regular contributor to NPR’s morning edition. 

Kadir Nelson is an award-winning author and artist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds multiple Caldecott Honors, Coretta Scott King Awards, New York Times Best Illustrated Book Awards, and an Olympic Art Bronze medal among other accolades. Nelson’s paintings and sculptures focus on narratives and heroic subjects in American culture.