Extra Credit 2- The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, poetry

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander is a story about black people throughout history. It

is told in a poetry style. It uses specific names for some people, but usually speaks in a general

sense. It is a motivating piece of literature that ends speaking directly to the reader. Along with

amazing moments in black history, it also touches on the unspeakable moments in black history,

such as police brutality and shootings. It takes time to celebrate those who fought for black rights

and made it, and those who did not make it.

This is such a great book. I think every educator, student, parent, and person should read

this. I do think it is especially important that young black students see people in a story like this

that they can look up to. It celebrates black contributions and uplifts them, something that is not

always done for black creators or figures. Black students can see themselves in a story like this,

and representation truly does matter. However I do think this is important for all other races to

read as well. Oftentimes in stories there are black people to serve two purposes: check off a

diversity box, or show black suffering (i.e. stories about slavery). Non POC or non black people

need to see stories of black joy and celebration as well. Their voices deserve to be heard and

celebrated just as much as any people. In terms of using this as a mentor text for writing, I think

it holds a unique place. It is an example of non-traditional poetry and strong or powerful

language. This is an important mentor text for students and I will definitely have a copy in my

library.

The first thing I would use this book to teach is what non-traditional poetry is. Before we

would even begin writing, I would read this book to launch a mini lesson about non traditional or

non standard poetry. I would have students take notes about everything they notice about how the

story is told, maybe repeated phrases, short sentences, a sort of rhythm. Then we would make an
iChart about elements of non-traditional poetry, taking note on how it does not have to rhyme.

The next thing I could use this book for is the actual writing of poetry. I would love to use this as

an example of a non-traditional poem. Students could create poems that follow a rhythm similar

to this, or poems that follow a certain cadence. I would have students practice writing poetry

without focusing on rhymes. To follow the theme of this story, I could have students write poems

that are inspirational or motivational. It could be about something that inspires or motivates

them, or something that would inspire or motivate others. Finally, I would use this book to teach

a lesson on the importance of phrasing and pauses when telling poetry. This book utilizes

phrasing in a unique and powerful way. It places its pauses at spots that hit you in the heart and

leave you thinking. I think students could benefit from seeing a mentor text that uses rhythm in

such a unique way. Students could practice adding pauses to their poems to make them more

impactful.

Overall, this is such a wonderful story and mentor text. You could easily build writing

lessons around this story, but even if you don’t it is still so worth it to showcase this book

somehow. This will be one I always recommend and will 100% go into my wish list for my first

classroom.