The Undefeated
By: Kwame Alexander
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Recommended age: 8+
Also read and recommended by: Lara Lleverino
The book Undefeated definitely makes an inspiring statement about African-American history and those who overcame so much. The book includes the statement Black Lives Matter, which seems appropriate for the year 2020, but in this case without the violence of the movement and more on the inspiring side. The illustrations are oils on panel and are striking! One thing I liked about the words in this book are the repetitious use of the prefix “un” as in unforgettable, undeniable, unflappable, unafraid, unspeakable, unlimited, undiscovered, unbelievable, unbending, underdogs, uncertain, unspoken, untitled, and the undefeated. Those adjectives capture the poem’s meaning. I also like Kadir Nelson's illustrations of facial expressions throughout the book and how they change from somber, hurting, determined, and finally hopeful and happy as the last page shows young black Americans smiling.
Bear Came Along
By: Richard T. Morris
Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Also read and recommended by: Christine Kallner
What a fun book! Most of us have found ourselves in a mess on occasion, but it's so much more tolerable when there are friends along for the ride! The illustrations are enticing and the story will keep any children on the edge of their seats until the last page.
Double Bass Blues
By: Andrea J. Loney
Illustrated by: Rudy Gutierrez
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
While initially I found the simple words a bit too simple, this book grew on me. As the mom of a son who hauls around a cello, I fully sympathized with Nic as he carried his instrument from school to home. As he hears the many sounds of his afternoon—the plunks of the rain and the whoosh of the windshield wipers—I could imagine how he turned each of them into music in his head. In addition, the bright illustrations and ribbons of color that express emotions of each page made this book one that I will want to read and look at again.
Going Down Home with Daddy
By: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by: Daniel Minter
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Kelly Starling Lyons recreated, yet in a completely different form, a book very similar to Patricia Polacco's When Lightning Comes in a Jar. There's truly nothing like a family reunion where suddenly those unique hobbies, inside jokes, quirks and physical similarities all make sense! This story makes that important point of the value of family, you know, the "blood runs thicker than water" kind of family. The use of textiles for illustrations is fascinating and one that I don't see often, but is perfect for this book. The family gathers on a farm where the grandparents grow cotton and each page uses fabric prints that are clearly cotton-type prints. This is a lovely book and one not to be missed.
