The Crossover
By Kwame Alexander
"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering, " announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander ( He Said, She Said 2013). Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family. ~From the library catalog
What I thought: I'm not normally a huge "sports book" reader but when I saw a short video from the author promoting this book (click here to see it), I decided to give it a try. Yes, basketball plays an important part in the book, but there is so much more than that. The relationship between Josh and his brother Jordan is complex and realistic. The rhythm of the prose (it's written in verse), made me think of a basketball bouncing on the court. It's a great book!
Who I'd give it to: Fans of realistic fiction, quick reads, and sports should check out this Newbery medal winner!
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