Best Selling Books by Kadir Nelson

Examines the history of the United States, focusing on events that influenced African-Americans and how they advanced liberty and justice in America.

What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature. Inspired by the song’s simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it—vast and beautiful.

“We are the ship; all else the sea.”—Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League The story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners; of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship; of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the twentieth century. But most of all, the story of the Negro Leagues is about hundreds of unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do the one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball. Using an “Everyman” player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. The voice is so authentic, you will feel as if you are sitting on dusty bleachers listening intently to the memories of a man who has known the great ballplayers of that time and shared their experiences. But what makes this book so outstanding are the dozens of full-page and double-page oil paintings—breathtaking in their perspectives, rich in emotion, and created with understanding and affection for these lost heroes of our national game. We Are the Ship is a tour de force for baseball lovers of all ages.

The black and white images throughout are personal reflections, uniquely felt and rendered by award winning artist Kadir Nelson. They are accompanied by the uplifting words of Barack Obama and commemorate the movement and the moment that have changed our history. It's a celebration of the power of inspiration. It's a celebration of how far we have come and how determined we are to look ahead. It's a celebration of pride, hope and joy personally felt and publically shared. Most of all it's a celebration of the 44th president - a new president and a new chapter in the American story.

This stunning picture book biography of Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson is a receipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor award. In this lush, acclaimed book, award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson tells the story of global icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela in poignant free verse and glorious illustrations. It is the story of a young boy's determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country. Mandela believed in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. Readers will be inspired by Mandela's triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world. Resources in the back include an author's note and a bibliography listing additional sources for readers who want to find out more.

Award-winning creator Kadir Nelson delivers the perfect gift for basketball fans of any age—a beautifully illustrated history of the game and its key players over the years—in this companion to his bestselling We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Basketball has evolved by leaps and bounds since its origin over 125 years ago, but what remains is the passion of the players, the heat of competition, and supreme strategy and athleticism on the court. In this visual tour de force, celebrated artist Kadir Nelson weds his love for the game with showstopping paintings that bring its heart-pounding history to life. The sage voice of an elder player narrates the journey from the early days of the slow game of “basket ball” to today’s dazzlingly athletic and fast-paced sport. Engaging profiles of revolutionary players—including Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry—are featured, along with notable quotes from major figures of the game. With each breathtaking page turn, fans young and old will learn the gripping story of the all-American game and meet its iconic, indomitable heroes.

Synopsis coming soon.......

Momma Mary tells stories about a special young man who does wondrous things, especially for the slaves on the Plenty Plantation.

Kadir Nelson nous propose une histoire profondément touchante sur la générosité, la compassion et le partage. C'est avec peu de mots et de magnifiques illustrations que l'auteur-illustrateur de renom réussit à expliquer aux jeunes enfants qu'il est tout aussi important de planter des grains pour faire pousser les aliments qui nous nourrissent que de semer les bons sentiments qui font grandir l'amour et la paix. Un classique qui ne se démodera jamais. If you plant a carrot seed . . . a carrot will grow. If you plant a lettuce seed . . . lettuce will grow. But what happens if you plant a seed of kindness . . . or selfishness? Beloved award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson presents a resonant, gently humorous story about the power of even the smallest acts and the rewards of compassion and generosity. With spare text and breathtaking oil paintings, Avec un grain d'amitié demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit. Original title: If You Plant a Seed

Henry Brown ne savait pas très bien quel âge il avait. Henry était un esclave. Et les esclaves n'avaient pas le droit de connaître la date de leur anniversaire. Henry rêve d'un monde où la vie lui appartient. Mais lorsque sa famille est vendue, il risque tout pour ce qu'il sait être juste. Avec la force et la conviction des plus grands héros, Henry entreprend un voyage épuisant dans une caisse en bois - et s'expédie lui-même vers la liberté ! Dans cette histoire vraie et prenante, Ellen Levine raconte les extraordinaires péripéties d'Henry " Box " Brown avec grâce et émotion. Les peintures lumineuses de Kadir Nelson baignent de leur clarté l'âme de chaque personnage. Ensemble, ils rendent inoubliable ce récit exemplaire.

Le 28 août 1963, Martin Luther King réunit des centaines de milliers de personnes à Washington. Sur les marches du Mémorial Lincoln, il prononce un discours fondamental : un appel à la liberté et à l'égalité de tous, quelle que soit la couleur de la peau, qui fait toujours écho dans le coeur et l'esprit de toutes les générations. Kadir Nelson illustre magnifiquement les passages les plus emblématiques du discours, qui figure dans son intégralité à la fin de cet ouvrage unique. Martin Luther King (1929-1968) est une des figures américaines les plus importantes du XXe siècle. Pasteur, écrivain et infatigable militant des droits civiques, son discours I Have A Dream fut un moment décisif de cette lutte. En 1964, il reçoit le prix Nobel de la paix pour son combat non violent contre le racisme, la ségrégation et les discriminations. La même année la ségrégation devient effectivement illégale aux Etats- Unis et, en 1965, les Noirs américains obtiennent le droit de vote.