Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
BookMiddle SchoolIllustrator

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Nelson, Kadir

Why we picked it

This stirring 100-page picture book narrates the history of African Americans in America through Kadir Nelson's glowing paintings, creating a visually extraordinary work for middle-grade readers.

Our review

Narrated by an elderly woman looking back across generations, this stirring picture book tells the story of America and African Americans through cotton fields, Jim Crow laws, and Barack Obama's inauguration. Kadir Nelson's 100-plus pages of glowing paintings are among the most accomplished ever created for a picture book, making history visible in a way that words alone could never quite achieve.

About this book

From the product listing

The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. In Heart and Soul, Kadir Nelsons stirring paintings and words grace 100-plus pages of a gorgeous picture booka beautiful gift for readers of all ages, a treasure to share across generations at home or in the classroom.Heart and Soul is about the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton; its about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; its about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. Its a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs.Kadir Nelsons Heart and Soulthe winner of numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor, and the recipient of five starred reviewsis told through the unique point of view and intimate voice of a one-hundred-year-old African-American female narrator.This inspiring book demonstrates that in striving for freedom and equal rights, African Americans help our country on the journey toward its promise of liberty and justicethe true heart and soul of our nation.

Resource details

Resource type
Book
Age ranges
Middle School
Good for kids who are
Artistic, Realistic
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