The Crossover

 

      In this novel, the main character, Josh, tells the story of him and his twin brother playing basketball.  The boys are learning from their legendary basketball player father who challenges the boys to always continue playing.  Josh ends up losing a bet to his brother which leads to his dreadlocks being cut off.  As Josh struggles to regain his composure and footing on the basketball court, Josh ends up taking the anger out on his brother and ends up almost breaking his nose.  His mom suspends him from the team  As the championship game rolls around, Josh makes amends and is allowed to play.  The boys' father ends up in the hospital due to heart issues and ends up passing away while Josh is scoring the winning goal at the championship game.  The story ends with the brothers sharing the championship ring and realizing they are now the heads of the household.

    I was not a big fan of how the story was written in verses like a poem.  I think this could be good for some readers, but it's not my personal taste.  It takes me a little longer to read literature presented in this way.  

    However, the way it is written would offer some teaching opportunities for readers, like myself, who may not read poetry very often.  They storyline is simple enough to understand, so even in verse form, the themes and character development could shine through.

Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. Boston; New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.