Details

Length: 237
Story Build: Fast
Character development: strong
Age Recommendation: 6th grade and up
Reasoning: main characters are in middle school

Summary and Review

Kwame Alexander is one of my favorite authors (I did a post about his novel, Swing, awhile back). He is so dang talented, so if you haven’t read one of his books, do it now. Seriously.

Alexander’s talent is multifaceted. The dude can create really strong characters with big personalities that jump off the page while simultaneously weaving stories with deep messages. Oh, he also writes mad rhymes — his books are typically in verse.

Now, I am no poetry lover — I am a poetry appreciator — and I do not turn to poetry as a genre of choice. HOWEVER, books in verse are a great way to consume a medium I wouldn’t otherwise choose.

Why?

There is a plot and characters, and the verses create flow that grip you. The authors are so talented that they are able to achieve all of that, which you get in a traditional narrative format, in LESS WORDS!

For our hesitant readers out there, books in verse… it’s where its at!

Anyway, the point is, Kwame Alexander is fabulous, and The Crossover is the story of twin boys, Josh and Jordan Bell, who are talented basketball players. Their father, Da Man as he has been historically nicknamed, was a pro baller until an injury caused him to change his direction. Now, he lives vicariously through the twins and their successes in the sport.

Josh and Jordan share time on and off the court as brothers and best friends do, but life alters a bit when Jordan cozies up to a new girl at school. Josh then finds himself lost a bit, unsure of who he is when he isn’t playing basketball or hanging out with Jordan.

This story is more than just about sport and brotherhood. It weaves in messages about family and fear and what it means to grow up, to “cross over.” It’s funny and sad, to be honest. I was surprised by the sorrow that is filled in the pages… but Alexander makes sure to pack in those words of wisdom along the way so you know those kiddos are going to be okay.

Celebrations

Once again, my major celebration is Kwame Alexander’s talent with his words… I love the way he uses rhyme and a cadence that pushes his story literally forward. He also employs space and size and motion with his text… it’s eye catching and innovative.

Hesitations

Man, I wish it hadn’t ended where it did… but I also get it, too, because without that conclusion, I’m not sure the boys would see the importance of “the crossover.”