How are the relationships affecting the character? What evidence do you have to support that? Have students pull out the theme as well as some minor themes. As students read this book, the same question can be answered with the characters in the book. I would begin by asking students an open-ended question such as “How do relationships affect me?” Have students respond personally. Two major themes are prominent in this book – family relationships and loss. I can’t wait to put it in the hands of my boys and be able to discuss what is happening and how they can identify with the character.

The beauty is that this is a very true tale for many young men. This book is a must-read for every male adolescent interested in athletics. As I was reading, I could see my two sons who are close in age having similar conflicts. Josh is such a real character and easily identifiable. These relationships are affecting Josh’s game and he begins to have inner conflict. It becomes apparent that Josh’s father is having to watch what he eats and is suffering from high cholesterol.

Priorities are switching from the game to girls, and the brothers are growing apart. Slowly, as Josh and his brother grow up and hit adolescence, things at home begin to change. His family (mother, father, and twin brother) seem to be perfect. In the beginning, Josh Bell (the narrator) is focused on his basketball game. Not just about basketball, but intricate relationships between family members. I flipped through the book, read some reviews and realized this book would be one I’d enjoy, and possibly my two older sons as well. From the cover, it was obviously about basketball (although I didn’t realize that crossover is a basketball move) and it appeared to be a male protagonist. It seemed like a futile task until I came upon The Crossover. I have been on the hunt for a “non-girlie” book in verse. ** Contact us if you would like to have one of our engaging mentor text sessions come to your campus! **

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander