The Crossover - Kwame Alexander

Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm WAAAY behind on reviewing this title. But now that I've had a chance to get to some books that I want to read as opposed to those that I have to read, I had the chance to read this gorgeous book! In case you haven't heard about it everywhere (it just won this little award called the Newbery!), here's a synopsis, courtesy of the interwebz:
"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering," announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood. 
Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.
Novels in verse may be more popular now than ever, but some just really do blow the form out of the water with a fresh voice. The Crossover is fast-moving, up-tempo, and heartbreaking, but with an overlying sense of hope. Alexander's poetry is inspiring, giving Josh a realistic voice and emotionally resonant narrative. This novel will appeal to many audiences, from adults to children, from sports enthusiasts to poetry lovers. Alexander is a fabulous writer and he very much deserves all the praise being bestowed upon him since the Youth Media Awards announcements in early February.

 Though Josh has to deal with a LOT of difficult issues throughout the story, the beat and pacing will keep readers from becoming overloaded by the emotional intensity. I highly recommend this book to, well, pretty much everyone!! If you don't believe me, just check out these opening lines!



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