Book Review: The Crossover

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Crossover uses the rhythm of rap and the visual expression of poetry to tell the story of twin middle school brothers. Their father played professional basketball and while his sons show similar promise on the court, the boys struggle to reconcile other interests.

While the crossover is the family's signature move on the court, the concept carries haunting implications in their lives of the court. Told from the single perspective of one of the twins, the story has passion, depth and heartfelt anguish typical of almost every middle school student.

I liked the way the entire book was written as poetry or lyrics. Each chapter filled only a page or two so it was quick to read. However, while the pace flowed quick like a fast break, the content and meaning was rich and thick. Several times I had to go back and catch the subtle inferences from the previous chapter that blossomed with fuller meaning in the next.

I recommend this book for middle school and up, especially those who might not enjoy poetry. The language can be a bit rough, more indicative of rap and sports smack talk bravado. Underneath is a tenderness and heart for family.

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