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Cover of THE CROSSOVER
4.80

Based on 5,000 Goodreads ratings

4.5

Based on 13 Google Books ratings

THE CROSSOVER

by Kwame Alexander

Book Details

Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published:2015-01-01
Pages:200
Format:hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0544107717

Reading Info

Age Range:10-14

About This Book

Fourteen-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health.

Our Review

This electrifying novel in verse captures the rhythm and intensity of competitive basketball through the eyes of fourteen-year-old twins Josh and Jordan, who navigate sibling rivalry, first crushes, and family dynamics with poetic flair. The story's heartbeat syncs perfectly with the on-court action, making every dribble and dunk feel immediate and visceral, while the brothers' bond is tested both by their growing independence and their father's mysterious health struggles.

What sets this sports narrative apart is how seamlessly it blends athletic excitement with profound emotional depth, using its innovative verse format to convey complex feelings with stunning economy and power. Young readers who love fast-paced sports stories will be hooked by the basketball action, while the authentic portrayal of family relationships provides rich material for deeper reflection. The result is a story that scores on every level, leaving readers both cheering and deeply moved by its exploration of love, loss, and coming of age.

Themes

Juvenile Nonfiction

Subjects

Juvenile Nonfiction