As the mother of a 12 year-old, I am always searching for books that will pull him away from screens. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is full of contemporary references and realistic family dynamics that leave us all laughing, sighing and crying.
The novel centers around Josh and his twin, Jordan—AKA JB—who are two middle schoolers who play basketball, just like their dad. It’s about basketball, relationships, and coming of age.
It’s written in verse—filling the pages with movement and song, which bring the book to life. I have always been a huge fan of poetry and now an even bigger fan of this trend of writing a novel-in-verse.
My son did not enjoy poetry until this book. When Ethan began reading the novel, his big brown eyes lit up as he shouted, “Mom, this is like beats—but in words!”
Ethan and I both agree that this story would make an epic movie. The ending was phenomenal—absolutely heart shattering yet so beautifully written. The last book that made us cry together was….
Where the Red Fern grows—many years ago.
I wish there were more books in this age group with relatable male protagonists. He could not put it down—even I could not put it down. I would sneak off and read ahead because the anticipation was too much!
With all the uncertainty and changes going on in the world with the COVID-19 pandemic—this story will bring love and unity to homes.
Basketball Rule #1
In this game of life
your family is the court
and the ball is your heart.
No matter how good you are,
no matter how down you get,
always leave
your heart
on the court.