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The Crossover
Author: Kwame Alexander
Published in 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
*Middle Grade
The Crossover rhythmically tells the story of twin brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell, who are basketball stars. Their dad is a former professional basketball player and their mom is the assistant principal at their school, so athletics and academics are both highly valued and supported in their home. When Jordan gets a girlfriend and Josh struggles with feelings of jealousy and loneliness, the brothers experience conflict and start to grow apart. The difficult impacts of this new dynamic are apparent, as the two brothers have always been close and supportive of each other prior to these challenges that emerge. When tragedy strikes the family, the boys learn the power and importance of love, strength, and forgiveness. This novel-in-verse is a fantastic and fun read, especially for middle grade readers who are in need of a story told with a fresh and energetic style. This book may especially appeal to those who are interested in basketball, but the story is so much more than that. Its powerful themes of family, brotherhood, challenges, and triumphs make it a compelling read for any audience.
*Newberry Medal Award
*Coretta Scott King Honor Award
Additional Resources:
“Poet’s Novel Turns Young Sports Lovers Into Book Lovers” author interview:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/poets-novel-turns-young-sports-lovers-book-lovers/
Video interview with author Kwame Alexander:
http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/alexander
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