THE CROSSOVER

Alexander, Kwame. (2014). The Crossover.  New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Josh Bell, aka Filthy McNasty, is a 12-year-old basketball player who is in 7^th grade and has an identical twin brother named Jordan, aka JB, who is also a basketball player.  They attend Reggie Lewis Middle School where their mom is the assistant principal, Dr. Crystal Stanley-Bell, and his dad is a former basketball superstar, Chuck Bell, aka “Da Man,” who because of an injury had to end his career. 

The thing Josh loves more than his family is his passion for basketball.  Things start to change, JB gets a girlfriend which means no time to spend practicing on the court, and dad’s health deteriorates.  When JB accidently cuts off more dreadlocks than what was bet on and having to shave his whole head, Josh begins to feel anger and jealousy.  The twins become distant and end up not talking after Josh purposely throws the basketball at hits JB in the nose.  Josh is kicked off the team because of his actions.  They learn how to overcome their differences, unfortunately it’s after their father dies. 

I read this book out loud to my husband and we loved it! He wanted to rap the poems himself, I of course let him.   My favorite poem is Mom Shouts, it’s about trying to get dad to go and see the doctor, which is the same thing I’m trying to do with my husband, so relatable and serious. 

The reader can see the playfulness of the author as he writes this story in verse.  Students of any age will love reading this book as well as adults.  It is so relatable, kids love basketball, they love to know new words, especially if that word is pulchritudinous and it means great physical beauty and appeal.  I can already hear some of the boys tell that to the girls.  And, that it’s over 100 poems long, well that’s a plus, we need to get kids to read more of them.  Alexander changes the font style to fit the rhythm of the poem, making it fun to read.  One theme is to forgive family because you never know what tomorrow brings.  The twins finally realized that they had to stick together and respect each other now more than ever after their dad passed away.  They shouldn’t get distant just because one doesn’t agree with the other.  This book is from the list of authors who write for YA readers.

Family first! Just like this poem says:

The Crossover, page 20:

Basketball Rule #1

In this game of life

Your family is the court

And the ball is your heart.

No matter how good you are,

No matter how down you get,

always leave

your heart

on the court.

Here you’ll find an educators guide to The Crossover Discussion Guide uploaded by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Another way to get books in the hands and ears of kids is by listening to them on this site: The Crossover - Recorded Books.

Consider reading Rebound by Kwame Alexander as well, it is a prequel to The Crossover.  

Alexander reads an Excerpt from The Crossover link provided by Reading Rockets.