Tuesday, October 6, 2015



THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander. HoughtonMifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, 2014. 240p. ISBN 978-0544107717 hc. $16.95  Gr. 5-7   JUV FIC

Alexander's well-written story has already been recognized with a John Newbery Medal and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award, both for 2015.  This is Josh's story - twin brother of Jordan, and son of professional parents who have every expectation that their boys will succeed in academics and sports, only to be followed by entrance into college.  It doesn't take many words to tell the story because the text is written in verse, limited to a column down the left side of each page. However these words are well chosen and packed with emotion, conveying the questions and concerns Josh has about life, basketball, and his father's mysterious reluctance to take on a coaching job when it's evident that he loves the game.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

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