Heart And Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Bibliography:

Nelson, Kadir. 2011. HEART AND SOUL: THE STORY OF AMERICA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS. New York: Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780061730740

Plot Summary:

In a country where history is told, shared, and taught in a variety of ways, comes a book that captures some of the most captivating stories about America and it's complicated history with African Americans. These stories are told by an unknown narrator who talks about how her ancestors were brought to America and unfairly treated. These are stories that start at the beginning: when our country was founded to a movement that was known as The Civil Rights Movement; when African Americans would fight for the same rights as Caucasians. Readers are introduced to the American Revolution and the role which African Americans had in this war; only to find themselves remaining property and working for a nation that was more concerned with profits than equality of all humans.  Moving further into the pages, we read about the fight to maintain African Americans as slaves (property) that must be submissive to plantation owners and maintain the crops that fed and clothed their families. Throughout each chapter there is history being told of how African Americans suffered but at the same time showed a spirit of determination, faith, perseverance, and hope that they would be free and enjoy the same rights and privileges as the Caucasians.

Critical Analysis:

Kadir Nelson is known for his distinct and elegant paintings that capture the stories of African Americans throughout history.  In Heart And Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, Mr. Nelson writes with elegance and detail in telling the stories of African Americans and their journey of life in America.  He adds a female narrator to his telling of history; giving the reader such vivid accounts of what happened, that you can visualize and feel the emotion found in the words and illustrations.  Mr. Nelson takes the academic and sometimes dry telling of history and he writes in a simplistic manner; allowing the youngest of readers to understand the history of African Americans and their experiences living in America. Not only are the words, captivating and well-written but the paintings which Mr. Nelson created capture the events and people of that time.  As you read each chapter, you can look at the paintings that goes with the chapter and get a sense of what was taking place. Along with the unknown narrator's words and the paintings are quotations interspersed throughout the pages that enhance the moment in time.  This book should be in school libraries everywhere because it tells the stories of African Americans and the complex but hopeful relationship that they have with America.

Review Excerpts:

KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred):"As with any work by this talented artist, the accompanying illustrations are bold and arresting. The dramatic oil paintings heighten the dignity of this story, whether they are of well-known historical figures, common folk or landscape."

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred): "In jaw-dropping portraits that radiate determination and strength, Nelson paints heroes like Frederick Douglass and Joe Louis, conferring equal dignity on the slaves, workers, soldiers, and students who made up the backbone of the African-American community."

Connections:

• This book can be used to lead and guide a discussion among secondary students about African Americans and the history of America.
• Have students to create a visual that tells about a significant historical event in America in which African Americans contributed.
• This story can be supplemented with clips from Ken Burns documentary and/or Dr. Henry Louis Gates documentary. (materials can be found on PBS Learning Media)