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27th out of 136 books
—
546 voters
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
by
Kadir Nelson
The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their master
...moreHardcover, 108 pages
Published
September 27th 2011
by Balzer + Bray
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Five stars for art, no doubt. Kadir Nelson is really a genius of an illustrator, particularly his portraits, which are captivating and have this epic quality. How can an illustration just seem important in and of itself? I don't know, but these illustrations do. They're powerful.
Now on to the text: I love that Nelson took over 400 years of history and told the story in under 100 pages. To sit and read this book in one go feels like the entire history of this country is flashing before your eyes...more
Now on to the text: I love that Nelson took over 400 years of history and told the story in under 100 pages. To sit and read this book in one go feels like the entire history of this country is flashing before your eyes...more
As the winner of the 2012 Coretta Scott King Award, this fictional picture book, told through the eyes of an elderly African American woman, represents the story of America particularly in regards to several inspirational stories of African Americans. This story is written as an intimate narrative thus making this story very accessible for middle school readers. This book details such events as life on plantations, Harriet Tubman, Lincoln and the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Ku Klux Klan,...more
Kadir Nelson in his novel, Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, depicts the story of African Americans and their hardships they endured beginning with the slave trade all the way through the Civil Rights Movement. This is a realistic and historical fiction book and is told in a third person point of view with a narrative style. This book includes a reference page with the author’s notes and bibliography as well in order to add credentials to the facts in the novel. The asp...more
Apr 11, 2013
Chester Richmond
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
notable-art,
multicultural-or-civil-rights
Golden Lines:
“Education is a powerful thing and often made slaves hard to control and likely to run away, so their masters took good care to make sure they remained illiterate.” Pg 24
“Every day on those flat prairies was a fight to survive, but fighting to live as a free person out there was always better than living under the whip on a southern plantation.” Pg 51
Passages:
Discussion on slavery vs sharecropping on pg 43
Passage describing history of Buffalo Soldiers (Bob Marley song)
Questions:
Wh...more
“Education is a powerful thing and often made slaves hard to control and likely to run away, so their masters took good care to make sure they remained illiterate.” Pg 24
“Every day on those flat prairies was a fight to survive, but fighting to live as a free person out there was always better than living under the whip on a southern plantation.” Pg 51
Passages:
Discussion on slavery vs sharecropping on pg 43
Passage describing history of Buffalo Soldiers (Bob Marley song)
Questions:
Wh...more
Audience: This book would be good for students in 7th grade and up.
Appeal: The images in the book are oil paintings. These painting are beautiful pieces of art. Students can feel the emotion these people must have been going through just by looking at the paintings. This book covers a lot of history through the eyes of African Americans. Readers will enjoy reading about the stories told throughout the book.
Application: I truly enjoyed this book. I would use it in the classroom during Black His...more
Appeal: The images in the book are oil paintings. These painting are beautiful pieces of art. Students can feel the emotion these people must have been going through just by looking at the paintings. This book covers a lot of history through the eyes of African Americans. Readers will enjoy reading about the stories told throughout the book.
Application: I truly enjoyed this book. I would use it in the classroom during Black His...more
Audience: This is a story that would pertain more to higher level elementary school students, because there are still quiet a few pictures that help explain what the story is about and step-by-step how it goes along, although there are to many words for the younger grades to keep their focus. At the upper level grades in elementary schools students do a much better job at being able to hold their attention. This story pertains to both boys and girls but not to reluctant readers trying to read th...more
This is a picture and chapter book which explores the history and role of African Americans in America. This story is told by an African American woman whose family and friends were greatly affected by America’s compliance with slavery. It all begins when her grandfather was taken from his tribe and family in 1850 from Africa. He was the only African born slave in her family, being taken at just 6 years of age. Pap [the grandfather] lived to see much of the hardships slaves endured like grueling...more
Audience: The audience for this book would be upper elementary grade levels and advanced readers. The best grades would be fifth or sixth, because of the book length and complexity of concepts.
Appeal: This book is appealing because it talks about the journey of a culture, African Americans. It also correlates with non-fiction and history. This book talks about the good and the bad, the events that led up to civil rights for all and many of our important people in society; such as Abraham Lincol...more
Appeal: This book is appealing because it talks about the journey of a culture, African Americans. It also correlates with non-fiction and history. This book talks about the good and the bad, the events that led up to civil rights for all and many of our important people in society; such as Abraham Lincol...more
Audience: I think this book is appropriate for grades 5th and up; perhaps also ok for 4th grade students in the later half of the school year. This is due to the fact the book has mature subject matter (slavery, Jim Crow laws, KKK) and also it is a chapter style book.
Appeal: This book would be interesting for students wanting to learn the history of America from another perspective than is usually told. The story is told in the voice of an older woman, telling history by using her family as exa...more
Appeal: This book would be interesting for students wanting to learn the history of America from another perspective than is usually told. The story is told in the voice of an older woman, telling history by using her family as exa...more
Audience- I believe that this book if for students in grades 4-6. It is not a gender specific book. It is a heartwarming story that would be intriguing for a female audience, yet it is very informational which may be entraining for a male audience.
Appeal- I think that this book would be good for reluctant readers. It is a book that is very informational, so the students will learn a lot. Even though the book is longer, a more reluctant reader may still want to pick up this book because it has l...more
I chose this book because it recently won the Coretta Scott King Award (both for Author as well as Illustrator). The oil paintings used by the author, Kadir Nelson, were absolutely stunning. I often found myself gazing at them for long lengths of time, unable to tear myself away.
This non-fiction book starts with a prologue about the African-American experience and how it is painful to tell their history to their family. It then starts at the Declaration of Independence, covers how children and...more
This non-fiction book starts with a prologue about the African-American experience and how it is painful to tell their history to their family. It then starts at the Declaration of Independence, covers how children and...more
1 like · like · see review
The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it's about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it's about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied agains...more
Dec 04, 2012
Ed
added it
Nelson, K. (2011). Heart and soul: The story of America and African Americans. (Ill. by the author). New York: HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. 108 pp. ISBN: 978-0-06-173074-0. (Hardcover); $19.99.
Libraries are filled with books providing a general introduction to American history. The purpose of this sort of overview is NOT to provide readers with a comprehensive list of dates, causes, facts, considerations, and details. What a good introduction does is to share a synopsis so succinctly and so well...more
Libraries are filled with books providing a general introduction to American history. The purpose of this sort of overview is NOT to provide readers with a comprehensive list of dates, causes, facts, considerations, and details. What a good introduction does is to share a synopsis so succinctly and so well...more
Dec 03, 2012
Ariana Thomas
added it
Grades 3 – 6 / Middle school
Grade level Equivalent: 6.0
Lexile Measure®: 1050
DRA: 60
Guided Reading: X
Genre: Picture Book, Multicultural, Informational book
Main characters: African Americans throughout history
Setting: America
POV: unnamed female African American narrator
This book is beyond amazing as all author and illustrator Kadir Nelson’s works are. “The Story of America and African Americans” is a powerful and honest portrayal of both the hope and inspiration and injustice people have faced th...more
Grade level Equivalent: 6.0
Lexile Measure®: 1050
DRA: 60
Guided Reading: X
Genre: Picture Book, Multicultural, Informational book
Main characters: African Americans throughout history
Setting: America
POV: unnamed female African American narrator
This book is beyond amazing as all author and illustrator Kadir Nelson’s works are. “The Story of America and African Americans” is a powerful and honest portrayal of both the hope and inspiration and injustice people have faced th...more
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans is the rightful winner of the Coretta Scott King Award in 2012. Kadir Nelson won the author award for his work, as well as received the illustrator honor. Nelson was able to take the history of our nation and weave into it the story of African Americans and the journey that has brought us to the present. One of the techniques that the author uses that enables the reader to connect with the story is the use of an unnamed narrator who repr...more
This is an amazing story that gives you another view on American history and what happen with slavery an human rights. I know about many aspects of our history but I have never read it in this style before. I felt as though I was there when all was going on. For instance many people believe that when slavery was abolished that everything was perfect and the African Americans were free, but it wasn't the case, Hear and Soul touches on this. It starts from the beginning to the end. The illustratio...more
Grade/interest level: Middle School
Reading level: Lexile Level 1050L
Genre: Information book
Main Characters: No real main characters but touches on various African American figures throughout U.S. history
Setting: America from Pre colonial time to the civil rights era
POV: 3rd person narrating although it is told as if an aging African American is sharing their story before it is lost in history
This is a great book to offer a different perspective on various events traditionally taught in U.S. his...more
Reading level: Lexile Level 1050L
Genre: Information book
Main Characters: No real main characters but touches on various African American figures throughout U.S. history
Setting: America from Pre colonial time to the civil rights era
POV: 3rd person narrating although it is told as if an aging African American is sharing their story before it is lost in history
This is a great book to offer a different perspective on various events traditionally taught in U.S. his...more
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans is one that reveals hope while touching on the injustices that these people have faced throughout their lives and amongst many generations. It shows the inspiration and unending courage that African American individuals have gained, yet it was due to a country that divided them by law, education, and wealth. This book reveals the struggles they faced and the discriminatory actions that were constantly thrown their way. I appreciate the i...more
Nov 18, 2012
Charles Kim
added it
Grade/interest level: 6th - 8th
Reading level: Lexile, 1050L
Genre: Information Book, Multicultural Literature
Main Characters: Narrator and Pap
Setting: United States
POV: 1st person Narrator
Heart and Soul is a beautifully illustrated book that goes through the oppression of African Americans in the United States. From the Declaration of Independence to even today, Nelson portrays the history of African American hardships from slavery to the right to vote mentioning key figures such as Martin Luth...more
Reading level: Lexile, 1050L
Genre: Information Book, Multicultural Literature
Main Characters: Narrator and Pap
Setting: United States
POV: 1st person Narrator
Heart and Soul is a beautifully illustrated book that goes through the oppression of African Americans in the United States. From the Declaration of Independence to even today, Nelson portrays the history of African American hardships from slavery to the right to vote mentioning key figures such as Martin Luth...more
Main Characters: The characters are not exactly named in this book but there are many Blacks and historical people in the book as well.
Settings: Washington D.C to Alabama. Many areas during the Civil Rights era.
P.O.V: Third Person
Summary: This book is powerful and very interesting. It shares information about the civil rights along with historical contexts to what was going on with laws, people, and in history during that time. It discusses the injustice of the system. This book shares the stru...more
Settings: Washington D.C to Alabama. Many areas during the Civil Rights era.
P.O.V: Third Person
Summary: This book is powerful and very interesting. It shares information about the civil rights along with historical contexts to what was going on with laws, people, and in history during that time. It discusses the injustice of the system. This book shares the stru...more
Nov 16, 2012
Kristi
added it
Interest Level: 3rd-6th Grade
Lexile Level: 1050L
Genre: Informational
Setting: America
Point of View: First Person
Main characters: African Americans in America
Heart and Soul tells the story of African Americans and the hope and courage that they exuded throughout history. It speaks of the injustices that they had to face such as the Jim Crow Laws. The book begins by talking about the Declaration of Independence and the roles that African Americans played in achieving that independence. Illustration...more
Lexile Level: 1050L
Genre: Informational
Setting: America
Point of View: First Person
Main characters: African Americans in America
Heart and Soul tells the story of African Americans and the hope and courage that they exuded throughout history. It speaks of the injustices that they had to face such as the Jim Crow Laws. The book begins by talking about the Declaration of Independence and the roles that African Americans played in achieving that independence. Illustration...more
Main Characters: African Americans
Setting: America
POV: Narrator
Grade Level: 3-5
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - X
Genre: Information
This is a book that takes a look at America and the African-Americans that reside here. African-Americans have a rich history, and this book talks about this history and the injustice that was done in the past. At the beginning, the book talks about the Declarations of Independence and the initial start of slavery in America. The book then dives into the abolition of...more
Setting: America
POV: Narrator
Grade Level: 3-5
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - X
Genre: Information
This is a book that takes a look at America and the African-Americans that reside here. African-Americans have a rich history, and this book talks about this history and the injustice that was done in the past. At the beginning, the book talks about the Declarations of Independence and the initial start of slavery in America. The book then dives into the abolition of...more
Grade/interest level: Middle School (6-8)
Reading level: 6.0 (Lexile 1050L)
Genre: Information Book, Multicultural
Main Characters: Narrator and Pap
Setting: Various
POV: Unnamed 1st person narrator
African Americans have endured a great many pains during their history in the United States. Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson provides a quick, but comprehensive, history of affairs specially attuned for young readers. From the beginnings of American Colonialism, to the height of the slave trade, to Abraha...more
Reading level: 6.0 (Lexile 1050L)
Genre: Information Book, Multicultural
Main Characters: Narrator and Pap
Setting: Various
POV: Unnamed 1st person narrator
African Americans have endured a great many pains during their history in the United States. Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson provides a quick, but comprehensive, history of affairs specially attuned for young readers. From the beginnings of American Colonialism, to the height of the slave trade, to Abraha...more
Heart & Soul gives a interesting look into American history from the point of view of the African Americans brought over as slaves. It talks about the revolutionary war to the election of Obama as president. Students with knowledge of these topics on these known points in history would get more out of this book when thinking about the history of the African Americans. The book shows America in a point where White Americans were seen as powerful while the African Americans were not. It shows...more
I read this title for the multicultural genre section from the syllabus and I am so glad I did.
This book is amazing, both the text and the illustrations. Kadir Nelson is such a talent. It chronicles the role of African Americans in America's history from the 1500's to present. It is visually stunning and packed with tons of information that most everyone can learn something new from.
There are other books that tackle the difficult and frustrating path that African Americans have had to take in t...more
This book is amazing, both the text and the illustrations. Kadir Nelson is such a talent. It chronicles the role of African Americans in America's history from the 1500's to present. It is visually stunning and packed with tons of information that most everyone can learn something new from.
There are other books that tackle the difficult and frustrating path that African Americans have had to take in t...more
Grade/interest level: Upper Elementary
Reading level: 1050 Lexile
Genre: Informational
Main Characters: Narrator, African Americans
Setting: Harlem during the Civil Rights era
POV: Narrator
I really enjoyed this book. This illustrations are extremely notable and beautiful. This book is narrated by and an unknown narrator. The main focal point of the book centers around the treatment of African Americans during the Civil Rights Era. It portrays how life was for African Americans and contrasts it the...more
This book is told by a female narrator who acts as an "every woman" teller of the African American's journey and their impact on America. By using the term "we" as she talks about her ancestors makes for a more personal story and helps to engage the reader because they feel like they are reading about a real person (rather than reading about slavery and the civil rights movement from a text book!) This book begins by telling how and why African American's made their way to America. It is an over...more
Nonfiction. I chose this book because I am a huge Kadir Nelson fan. I think his artwork is some of the most stunning artwork that is in children's books today. When I ordered this book I really didn't even realize that he wrote the book as well. I was very impressed with his work in that regard. A nonfiction picture book is a pretty big pill to swallow, and he did it in a way that you can both read it through or just look at certain sections of the book based on something that caught your eye or...more
Oct 10, 2012
Jess
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
kids & classroom
Recommended to Jess by:
well reviewed
Shelves:
z_12,
kid-ya-nonfiction
Love the prologue. At once the tone is set; you know what you're getting yourself into and why. "You gotta take the good with the bad, I guess. You have to know where you come from so you can more forward...So it's important that you pay attention, honey, because I'm only going to tell you this story once." Perfect move, using the same method/setup as a storyteller.
The book reads like a conversation. By using an older black female as narrator, Nelson gives readers a readable and informative text...more
The book reads like a conversation. By using an older black female as narrator, Nelson gives readers a readable and informative text...more
Main Characters: Americans / African Americans / Unnamed Narrator
Setting: Harlem, During the Civil Rights Movement and Colonial Days
POV: First
Scholastic Reading Level: 4.9
Summary: This was a wonderful book. This book was told by an unnamed narrator. The narrator talks about life during the Civil Rights Movement. She talks about how African Americans were treated differently than Americans. The novel is divided into chapters and different subjects. There are pictures that correlate with every pag...more
Setting: Harlem, During the Civil Rights Movement and Colonial Days
POV: First
Scholastic Reading Level: 4.9
Summary: This was a wonderful book. This book was told by an unnamed narrator. The narrator talks about life during the Civil Rights Movement. She talks about how African Americans were treated differently than Americans. The novel is divided into chapters and different subjects. There are pictures that correlate with every pag...more
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSK Discussion | 1 | 4 | Dec 15, 2011 04:25pm |
Feb 02, 2013 01:47pm