- Jocelyn T.
- Wednesday, June 30, 2021
“Never let anyone lower your goals. Others’ expectations of you are determined by their limitations of life. The sky is your limit, sons. Always shoot for the sun, and you will shine.” - Kwame Alexander, The Crossover
This 2014 John Newbery Medal Winner and Coretta Scott King Honor title poetically and rhythmically tells the story of twelve-year-old Josh Bell, also known affectionately as Filthy McNasty, who is a star on his school's basketball team. His twin brother, Jordan (J.B.), is a revered player on the team, and the two have grown up to be close siblings and friends. To make things a little complicated for them, their mother, Dr. Crystal Bell, is the vice principal at their school, and their father, Chuck, is a legendary basketball player who always preaches to the boys about how family is the most important thing "in this game of life." Little do Josh and J.B. know how these lessons from their father will prove to be true.
While this story follows a preteen boy who loves sports and encounters issues with his family, such as when J.B. starts spending most of his free time with a new girl, it also touches on race and the Black Experience. From the lack of trust that Chuck has toward the medical field and doctors (because of his own father's experience with malpractice and subsequent death) to Josh's mother expressing fear for her son when he exhibits frustration as a Black preteen to the fear that Chuck and and Josh feel when they get pulled over by a cop for a broken taillight. While these moments might not be deeply explored throughout the book, they are certainly opportunities for discussion, and tweens and teens (despite what adults might think) have questions, thoughts, and concerns that they would like to express.
The Crossover is a smart, energetic story filled with relatable characters, thoughtful words and ideas, and a captivating plot that will hold young readers' attention. After reading this book, it's clear to the reader why this book has received the awards and recognition that it has and Kwame Alexander will forever be a fan favorite!
Below are more great titles written by and featuring Kwame Alexander! All of these are available with your Richland Library card!
Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Also, take a look at a past #OwnVoices blog post about Alexander's The Undefeated, a picture book that explores Black history and the Black Experience.
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Flying Lessons & Other Stories /.
I Remember
Out of Wonder
Out of Wonder
Out of Wonder
Becoming Muhammad Ali
Becoming Muhammad Ali
Booked
Booked
The Crossover
The Crossover
The Crossover
The Crossover
The Crossover Graphic Novel
Crush
He Said, She Said
How to Read a Book
How to Read a Book
Light for the World to See
Light for the World to See
The Playbook
Rebound
Rebound
Solo
The Undefeated
Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band
Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band
Animal Ark
Booked
The Crossover
He Said, She Said
Light for the World to See
Out of Wonder
The Playbook
Rebound
Solo
Solo
Surf's Up
Swing
Swing
The Undefeated
Solo
Swing
Swing
Kwame Alexander
Becoming Muhammad Ali
Becoming Muhammad Ali
#OwnVoices at Richland Library is a way for African American staff to provide thoughtful and well written book reviews, book lists and blog posts to promote African American authors and their work about the African American experience. The series invites our customers to learn one more way we are continuing the conversation in our community and speaking our voice. Find more resources on race, equity and inclusion, here.