The Crossover by Kwame Alexander


The Crossover by Kwame Alexander



                I am absolutely loving the amount of Middle Grade/Young Adult novels that I am seeing in verse. In the hands of capable authors like Kwame Alexander they are absolutely extraordinary. This is the first novel I’ve read by Alexander and needless to say I plan on eventually owning them all if any of them are anywhere near the level of skill that is on display in this one. The Crossover is the story of twelve-year old Josh Ball, the only kid his age that can dunk. He’s on the same team as his very talented twin brother Jordan. Their mom is the assistant principal at their school, so their education is just as important as their skills on the court. And their dad, now retired, once played on a championship European team. While Josh has his eyes on a championship, Jordan only has eyes for his girlfriend. With the two seemingly longing for different things, a fracture occurs that not only affects the family, but the team.
                This book was good because as much as this book was about Josh, the focus was on the family and what it means to love each other, be committed to one another and experience trials and tribulations. This isn’t necessarily a coming of age story but it is a story about life and what making mistakes feels like. I loved looking at the different elements of these relationships. I love how well developed and nuanced these characters were. And this is something that I’m loving about reading books written in verse. None of the words are wasted. Every word has a purpose. Every word evokes a specific emotion or imagery. From character development to world building to plot, every single word drives it and Alexander weaves all of it together beautifully.
                I highly recommend this book. I think it has the power to resonate. I think it has the power to stay with readers of all ages but especially the younger children who will read this and realize it’s okay to show your emotions, be dedicated, have trials and persevere. I couldn’t stop reading. It was just so easy to become completely absorbed in this story. I give this 5 out of 5 stars. Very well done.

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