Module 5: The Crossover

• Book Cover Image:

• Book Summary: Author Kwame Alexander tells the story of JB and Josh Bell, twin brothers that both excel on the basketball court. The story is written in verse from the perspective of Josh. Their father, Chuck, a retired player from the international circuit, shares their passion for the game and to the dismay of their mother, gets too passionate at times. When JB becomes interested in a girl, Josh has to learn how to navigate his life without his brother being the same constant presence he has been accustomed to. Tack on the declining health of Chuck, and it's impact on the brothers and the story has the reader on the edge of his seat until the very last page.  

• APA Reference of Book: Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.

• Impressions: An engaging and fast moving story, this book would appeal to middle school aged boys, particularly athletes. With the use of verse, reluctant readers might find it easier to read and finish compared to traditionally written chapter books. Some of the pages are shape poems that allow the reader to almost see the ball bouncing or passing across the court while reading. The relationship between Josh, Jordan and their dad is beautifully detailed through Josh's narration. Although written with very few words, the author does a fantastic job of creating dynamic characters that adolescents can relate to and understand. More than just a sports theme, the story has a strong family theme and does a magnificent job of revealing the message that through all of life's perils, siblings should stick together.  

• Professional Review: Basketball-playing twins find challenges to their relationship on and off the court as they cope with changes in their lives. Josh Bell and his twin, Jordan, aka JB, are stars of their school basketball team. They are also successful students, since their educator mother will stand for nothing else. As the two middle schoolers move to a successful season, readers can see their differences despite the sibling connection. After all, Josh has dreadlocks and is quiet on court, and JB is bald and a trash talker. Their love of the sport comes from their father, who had also excelled in the game, though his championship was achieved overseas. Now, however, he does not have a job and seems to have health problems the parents do not fully divulge to the boys. The twins experience their first major rift when JB is attracted to a new girl in their school, and Josh finds himself without his brother. This novel in verse is rich in character and relationships. Most interesting is the family dynamic that informs so much of the narrative, which always reveals, never tells. While Josh relates the story, readers get a full picture of major and minor players. The basketball action provides energy and rhythm for a moving story. Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch. (Verse fiction. 9-12)

(2013). [Review of the book The crossover, by K. Alexander], Kirkus Review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kwame-alexander/the-crossover/. 

• Library uses: When new vocabulary is introduced, the author dedicates an entire page to the new word, including pronunciation, meaning, and examples of how to use the word in a sentence; all tied to the plot of the story. This would be perfect way to introduce dictionary skills to a class.