Undefeated

I asked Mr. Reischer if he would kick off our "Phenomenal Black History Month People Poem Project" (say that 5X fast) by reading Kwame Alexander's latest NYP* book, Undefeated. At first he was hesitant because how do you read an F&G aloud? With difficulty, of course. But he figured it out and read it to all his classes without a hitch. Just a couple of months (April 2, to be exact) and we won't have to worry about that anymore.

This book is gorgeous. GOR-GEOUS. Kwame's POWERFUL text paired with Kadir Nelson's incredible photo-like paintings make this one book you will want to read over and over again.  I listened to Mr. Reischer read it three times today and I could have listened 30 more.

You can't read the book without the author's note.  Kwame started this poem in 2008 the year his daughter, Samayah, and our fifth graders were born.  If they didn't have a connection to Kwame before, they certainly do now. I think about the past 11 years and then hate to think about. All the horrific things that have happened in the world since these kids were born. Way too many.

But now we are surrounded by the "undiscovered." The ones born in 2008. And before. And after. Our future is in their hands and I am hopeful.

The artwork in the book is stunning. One student even commented that she thought they were real.  Next time I see Kwame I want to ask--Who made the decision to make one page completely blank for the ones "who didn't"? Or the images for the "unspeakable"? We wondered if Kwame advised Kadir or did Kadir paint them on his own. Either way, the message is clear.  Speak up. Black lives matter.

After the reading, students browsed picture books about famous (and not so famous) African Americans. They also looked through anthologies and the back of Undefeated at the mini biographies written for the people mentioned or illustrated in the book. Students chose a figure they wanted to spend a little time with this week.  By Friday we should have 75 meaningful poems written about LeBron James, Harriet Tubman, Jackie Woodson, Katherine Johnson and many more.

WE are one of the lucky ones to receive the F&G.  Fortunately, April 2 isn't too far away and you will be a lucky one, too.

 

A few of the books students are using for inspiration for their poems.

*not yet published