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Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans Audiobook
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(4.01) - 1,146 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. Kadir Nelson's award-winning Heart and Soul is about the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton; it's about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it's about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It's a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs.
Kadir Nelson's Heart and Soul—the winner of numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor, and the recipient of five starred reviews—is 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 justice—the true heart and soul of our nation.
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"Coretta Scott King Author Winner, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. This is a beautiful book. The author interviewed many his elder family members and completed a lot of research to go along with the narrative. He located family photos of his slave ancestors standing in the fields for a photograph. The artwork in the book are oil paintings, some based on these photographs and all on the African American experience. The story is written as if a older person is sharing the tales of his/her grandparents as the history is told. My impression is that the story is "clean" so that children won't be traumatized by the horror of the reality of slavery. The abuse of slaves is discussed as if by a grandmother talking to her young grandchildren. Children writing reports for school will find plenty of material, artists will enjoy the artwork, adults may learn from this book too. (I know I did!)"
— Nicole (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“As in We Are the Ship Nelson knits together the nation’s proudest moments with its most shameful, taking on the whole of African-American history. He handles this vast subject with easy grace. [Nelson’s] jaw-dropping portraits radiate determination and strength. A tremendous achievement.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Nelson…adds to his notable titles with this powerful view of African American history.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“Provocative and powerful, this book offers a much-needed perspective for individuals of all ages seeking to understand America’s past and present.”
— School Library Journal (starred review) -
“The dramatic oil paintings heighten the dignity of this story, whether they are of well-known historical figures, common folk or landscape…This intimate narrative makes the stories accessible to young readers and powerfully conveys how personal this history feels for many African-Americans.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Awards
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Winner of the Audie Award
Heart and Soul Listener Reviews
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" Read to play along with School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books. "
— Karen, 2/17/2014 -
" Simply told, easy to follow for young readers, but sticks to real history. Wonderful art work throughout. "
— Theophilus, 2/12/2014 -
" WOW! I've only skimmed the pages and viewed the artwork, reading just a little bit, but know in my heart that this is a mighty powerful book - not just for African Americans, but for all Americans. A fictional narrative that flows like honey through our nation's history, accentuated and punctuated with astoundingly expressive oil paintings of historical figures and ordinary citizens. This seems to be a beautiful marriage of oral storytelling and historical fiction. "
— Sherry, 2/11/2014 -
" Beautifully illustrated, very well told, excellent for middle readers and reading aloud with just under middle readers. "
— Naomi, 1/19/2014 -
" This story is detailed, and beautifully illustrated showing the progression of a family with roots in slavery. Fabulous story that if understood accurately, is a portion of the author/illustrator's family history. "
— Kath, 1/19/2014 -
" Beautifully illustrated book that is packed with information about the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans starting with the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement. Great resource! "
— Shannon, 1/1/2014 -
" This book is beautiful. It spans the history of the past 400 years. I would use this along with my Social Studies book to add information and give more visuals. "
— Heather, 12/16/2013 -
" I heard about this on a 2011 kids' book list on NPR. It was an incredible summary of the history of African Americans since the birth of this country. Artwork is beautiful, and in written in a way that kids and adults can understand. A short book that says a lot. "
— Liana, 12/7/2013 -
" Kadir Nelson's Heart and Soul just moved to the top of my Sibert Medal shortlist. It is the most distinguished and powerful informational book I've read this year. "
— John, 8/21/2013 -
" Excellent book! Great for all levels and is on a lower reading level for the upper grades. "
— Heather, 3/7/2013 -
" Of course, this wasn't a real exiting book but I enjoyed it and learned a lot. It made me sad to be reminded of slavery but I think that overall message of the book was really sweet. "
— Emma, 5/30/2012 -
" Gorgeous illustrations and a very readable first-person text give us the story of America through African American eyes. "
— Mary, 5/14/2012 -
" Incredible illustrations! A great story about history of African Americans and their struggles for freedom and equality. "
— Courtney, 3/25/2012 -
" A great story, great subject and amazing illustrations from Kadir Nelson. "
— Alyson, 2/4/2012 -
" Glowing paintings and colloquial language tell the story of this country from the perspective of African Americans. The narrator, a fictional Black woman, uses family stories to personalize historical events and movements. Required reading for all American children and the people who love them. "
— Virginia, 1/1/2012 -
" Glowing paintings and colloquial language tell the story of this country from the perspective of African Americans. The narrator, a fictional Black woman, uses family stories to personalize historical events and movements. Required reading for all American children and the people who love them. "
— Virginia, 10/26/2011 -
" This book was amazing! The pictures and text are so wonderful. I could hear an elderly African-American grandmother as she told the story to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nelson does an absolutely amazing job! "
— Carol, 10/19/2011 -
" Beautifully Done! I see a Coretta Scott King award in this book's future. "
— Carol, 10/19/2011 -
" An awesome book for African American history. Remember this one for Black history month. Awesome illustrations. "
— Marci, 10/17/2011 -
" A handsomely illustrated, concise chronicle of African American history narrated in the voice of an "Everywoman." "
— Ed, 10/13/2011 -
" If the art don't sell you, the stories will. Outstanding book! Recommended for ages 9 and up. "
— Linda, 10/3/2011 -
" Kadir Nelson's Heart and Soul just moved to the top of my Sibert Medal shortlist. It is the most distinguished and powerful informational book I've read this year. "
— John, 6/2/2011
About Kadir Nelson
Kadir Nelson is the author and illustrator of numerous award-winning picture books, including Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange, and Just the Two of Us by Will Smith. He lives in San Diego, California.