The Undefeated

Recommended Ages: 4-9

Written by Kwame Alexander. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover presents a powerful tribute to Black American resilience and triumph, with illustrations by two-time Caldecott Honoree. Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem serves as a heartfelt love letter to Black life in the United States. It reflects on the deep scars of slavery, the determination of the civil rights movement, and the strength and passion of some of history's most influential heroes. The poem incorporates references to the words of Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering both a look back at the achievements of the past and a spotlight on the ongoing perseverance of those thriving today.