Editions

The Undefeated

The Undefeated

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.

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

  • "[A] magnificent anthem...with stunning portraits...Rings with force...Powerful"

    Publishers Weekly, starred review

  • "This book is both a soaring tribute to the enduring perseverance and and achievements of the past and a stirring call to action to "the dreamers and the doers" of the present and the future... Alexander and Nelson present an exceptionally moving and triumphant work. This book is an essential first purchase for all libraries."

    School Library Journal, starred review

More from this Author

About the Author

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander (Author) 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 (Illustrator) 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.

Kwame Alexander

Kadir Nelson

Kwame Alexander (Author) 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 (Illustrator) 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.

Kadir Nelson

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