Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

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Nelson, Kadir. 2011.  Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780061730795

PLOT SUMMARY

From the early 1600’s to the present day, Heart and Soul examines the essential contributions African-Americans made throughout the history of America.  This story touches on the significant events and legislation that not only shaped the nation, but it also offers a personal reflection on how these events impacted the lives of ordinary African-Americans.  Beginning with an exploration of the roots of slavery before the American Revolution, the remarkable illustrations that accompany the text bring to life the contributions of African-Americans and highlight the defining moments that culminated in the historic presidential race of Barack Obama.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans is a unique combination of picture book and illustrated book elements.  The stunning illustrations are a complement to the historical narrative contained in the text.  The story is told from the first person narrative voice of an elderly African-American woman who explains in the Prologue, “Many of us are getting up in age and feel it’s time to make some things known before they are gone for good” (p. 7).  With this statement, the tone of the story is set, assuming the intimacy of a conversation with a grandmother-figure who is imparting the collective wisdom of her elders, her family, and her race.

This book contains a Prologue, Epilogue, Author’s Note, Bibliography, and an Index.  The story is organized into twelve chapters.  The first chapter begins with a reflection on the various races and cultures of people that helped to lay the foundation of this country, noting, “Black folks have been here at least as long as the Europeans” (p. 9).  However, with the writing of the Constitution, the narrator explains, “Through the fruits of our labor and our volunteer soldiers, we helped free America from England, and yet we were stuck in a country that kept most of us as slaves” (p. 13).  Finally, in Chapter Twelve, the signing of the Civil Rights Act into law in 1964 marked a crucial step in American history and in the lives of the African-Americans who call this country home.  

The Epilogue acts as a tribute and a remembrance not only of the great leaders and civil rights activists who continued to speak up for civil rights after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but it also serves to highlight how the enactment of this legislation changed life for many African Americans.  The narrator explains, “Black folks began to do things that only decades before we hadn’t dreamed of” (p. 99).  For example, history is now full of African-American’s who have (and continue to) served as elected officials in large cities and have served as principals of integrated schools.   They have served on the Supreme Court and have become astronauts.  They are also winners of prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize and the Academy Award. 

Most importantly, as the narrator recalls being able to cast her vote in the 2008 presidential election, she remembers various famous African-Americans who made significant contributions to the civil rights movement.  As she casts her votes, she expresses her gratitude to alll of those who African-Americans who came before her.  Finally, she explains her assessment of the current state of America:

“Our centuries-long struggle for freedom and equal rights have helped make the American promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness a reality for all Americans.  We have come a mighty long way, honey, and we still have a good ways to go, but that promise and the right to fight for it is worth every ounce of its weight in gold.  It is our nation’s heart and soul” (p. 99).

The Author’s Note is a personal reflection on what Nelson learned during the writing of this book about his personal heritage and the role his ancestors played in the history of America.  The accuracy of the events detailed in this book is quickly verified with the information provided in both the Timeline and the Bibliography supplied by the author.  At the back of the book, there is an Index provided to assist readers in locating notable people, places, and events from the story.

While conducting research for this book, Nelson explains that due to the significant amount of information available on this subject, the decision was made to tell this story from the point-of-view of the grandmother-figure with a focus on how critical events throughout American history specifically impacted her family.  The stylistic choice to use the grandmother figure's narrative voice provides a unique perspective regarding the most important civil rights events throughout the nation’s history.  This perspective also helps the reader develop a greater understanding of the how these events impacted the people who experienced them, thereby creating a more profound empathy for the experiences of African-American people.

While recalling the experiences and emotions of life during the time of slavery through the end of Jim Crow, each episode is partnered with a full-page illustration that brings to life the defining moments and emotions that are symbolic of each period.  The paintings are the crowning jewel of the book.  Each painting is incredibly realistic and quickly draws the reader into the scene as a result of the vibrant, deep color palettes used.  The depth of emotions portrayed on the characters and the events in the scenes ensure that this book will be shared with millions of readers for generations to come.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award
A 2012 Coretta Scot King Illustrator Honor Book
A 2012 Orbus Pictus Recommended Book

From School Library Journal: “Provocative and powerful, this book offers a much-needed perspective for individuals of all ages seeking to understand America’s past and present.”

From Kirkus Reviews: “This intimate narrative makes the stories accessible to young readers and powerfully conveys how personal this history feels for many African-Americans.”

From Horn Book: “Kadir Nelson’s oil paintings are phenomenal. They allow the reader to fully understand the lives of the African Americans who are such an important part of the history of this country.”

CONNECTIONS

Collect other Coretta Scott King Award books to read such as:

• Nelson, Kadir. Nelson Mandela. ISBN 9780061783746
• Powell, Patricia Hruby. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker. ISBN 9781452103143
• Rappaport, Doreen. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ISBN 9781423106357

Collect other Kadir Nelson books to read such as:

• He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.  ISBN 9780803728509
• If You Plant a Seed. ISBN 978-0062298898
• We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. ISBN 9781437969535