This book/poem pays homage to Black life in the United States. It highlights the trauma of slavery, the faith of the civil rights movement, and the passion and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. By including references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, Kwame Alexander provides deep insights into the accomplishments and spirit of African Americans. This rhythmic book affirms and recognizes the pivotal role the Black community has made in American history and beyond.
Additional Book Information:
Copyright: 2019 by HarperCollins Publishers
Publisher: Versify
Publishing Date: April 2, 2019
Reading Level (Accelerated Reader): 2.5-2.9
5 key words to describe this book:
Powerful
Meaningful
Rhythmic
Poignant
Moving
ELA CT Common Core Standard that might be met by reading this book:
RL.4.5 Explain major differences between poems, drama, and prose, and refer to the structural elements of poems (e.g., verse, rhythm, meter) and drama (e.g., casts of characters, settings, descriptions, dialogue, stage directions) when writing or speaking about a text.
Suggested Delivery:
Read Aloud or Independent Read
Electronic Resources:
https://www.allencheng.com/the-undefeated-book-summary-kwame-alexander-kadir-nelson/
This website provides textual and visual summaries that can be used after reading to aid in understanding.
Play this video for students after reading text to provide insight into Kwame Alexander's writing process and decisions.
Video to Build Schema:
ELA Teaching Suggestions:
Key vocabulary that may have to be taught for students to better understand the text:
Civil rights movement: the effort made by black people and their supporters to gain equal rights
Perseverance: the ability to keep doing something no matter how hard it is
Discrimination: when someone is treated differently or unfairly based on an aspect of their identity
Culture: the "way of life" of groups of people; food, clothing, language and celebrations are all a part of culture
Equality: ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities
Protest: to disapprove of something; when people come together in public to show others that they strongly like or dislike something in society
Reading strategy suggestions to increase literal and/or inferential comprehension:
Before Reading
Show students the video of The Freedom Singers performing "We Shall Not Be Moved" at the March on Washington (this is referenced in the poem). Provide context and explain how this was a significant event in history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duvoETGVvYU
During Reading
Choral read the poem.
After Reading
Find another song or poem that relates to the theme of the book and explain the similarities.
Writing activity that requires students to demonstrate inferential comprehension:
Write a letter to the author of the book, sharing your thoughts and reflections.