The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

The Undefeated is Kwame Alexander's (author of The Crossover) poem written as a tribute to his new born daughter and the election of Barack Obama, the first African American president. It honors the rich history of African Americans as well as recognizes their hardship and struggle for freedom and equity that continues to this day. It beautifully rejoices achievements in the arts, sports, civil rights and culture as well as pays somber tribute to events and sacrifices made in slave trade, the Civil War, and the lives of African Americans taken by prejudice and hate.

 

Kadir Nelson's oil on panels are rich and powerful. The pages of black text on blank white pages help communicate the message and its importance. This is appropriate for all age groups and can spark a multitude of conversations regarding all aspects of race, slavery, heroism, as well as personal and communal achievement. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 811 • Reading Level: 2.6 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: NA • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin • Pages: 40• Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-328-78096-6 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Americanized; Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Sara Saedi's funny and sometimes poignant memoir takes us through her life growing up in the bay area of California. Emigrating from Iran to America with her family when she was just two years old, Sara recounts her struggles and follies balancing her life as a teenage girl, who has whole heartedly adapted to American culture, with her traditional Persian extended and immediate family. She doesn't hold back, letting us in on her puberty, crushes, drug use, devotion to family and the fear of deportation, growing up as an undocumented immigrant.  She provides plenty of background information without judgement to provide context to her life and what is happening to her.  The introduction that provides historical background on the fall of the shah in Iran is one of the best I've read. 

Excellent to use in classrooms to open discussion on immigration, "illegal" aliens, Dreamers, and what their American experience is. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 921 • Reading Level: 7.5 • Interest Level: 9-12 • AR Points: 11 • Lexile Level: 1030 • Publisher: Random House • Pages: 291 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-524-71782-7 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, Art by Shawn Harris

A fun, engaging and informative lesson on the history behind the Statue of Liberty, focusing on a rarely discussed aspect of the statue, the statue's right foot.

Dave Egger's text speaks to the reader with sarcasm and wit, which draws your attention, and makes this an especially fine read aloud. Some younger children will not get some of the NY centric references, but they will surely sense the humor behind it. Shawn Harris's illustrations are simple and bold, created in construction paper and India ink. You will instantly recognize the colors from old-school construction paper.

Most importantly, the book speaks to the idealism of the statue and what it represents. While our country is currently battling the immigration question, the book addresses the ideals the country was founded on, how the statue symbolizes those ideals, and how we must continue to move towards those ideals. A fantastic non-fiction picture book for all ages.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 973 • Reading Level: 4.5 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: NC800L • Publisher: Chronicle • Pages: 104 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-1-452-16281-2 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Jordan Banks is a gifted artist and now that he's entering 7th grade, wants to go to a school of the arts. His mother and father have a different idea. Jordan is smart, very smart and they want him to attend one of the best, and most expensive prep schools in NYC. A far cry from his Washington Heights neighborhood. Jordan relents, but now must learn how to fit in to a foreign environment. Jordan is only one of two people of color at rich and white Riverdale Prep. He now must learn to navigate the rich, elitist culture at his school, while balancing it with his friends from his working class neighborhood.  How does he fit in with both worlds and stay true to himself? Jordan deals with the hidden racism and social pitfalls in a sweet poignant way. He navigates insensitive bullies, problematic girls, and a foreign school culture. His parents are supportive and loving, but oft times embarrassing, as most parents are for middle schoolers. Readers will laugh, but be endeared to Jordan, and cheer for him throughout.

Jerry Craft's artwork is graphic and creative. I also liked how each chapter title is a parody of a movie title. I highly recommend this to all readers, but in particular to those teachers how find graphic novels unacceptable literature. Graphic novels are an excellent bridge for reluctant readers, and contain all aspects of literature, allowing them to be easily adapted into a literature curriculum.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 2.9 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 2 • Lexile Level: 320 • Publisher: HarperCollins • Pages: 249 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-06-269119-4 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding