Heart and Soul The Story of America and African Americans. Coretta Scott King Award (Author), Coretta Scott King Honor (Illustrator), Horn Book Fanfare, Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book, Publishers Weekly Best Book, School Library Journal Best Book

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)

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)

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)

Nelson effectively creates a voice that is at once singular and representative. A tour de force in the career of an author/artist who continues to outdo himself. - Horn Book (starred review)

Nelson...adds to his notable titles with this powerful view of African American history. Illustrated with 44 full-page paintings, this handsome volume is told in the fictionalized, informal voice of an African American senior looking back on her life and remembering what her elders told her. - Booklist (starred review)

A sumptuous feast of exquisite oil paintings and compelling text, Nelson's newest literary gift dazzles the senses, awakens the mind, and inspires emotion as it teaches readers about the historical experience of African Americans. - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Essential to the American history collection. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

After noting that 'most folks my age and complexion don't speak much about the past,' an unnamed narrator delivers a condensed, impassioned soliloquy on African-American history, accompanied by nearly four dozen magnificent oil paintings. It's a tour de force. - People