Dads, brotherhood, basketball, and music are a blockbuster combination for middle grade readers. The fast-paced novel-in-verse format is perfect for this exciting story sure to be a winner with a broad audience including athletes. The rhythm of the story, music, sports, and even health all play a role. While sports plays an important role in the story, important themes including jealousy, sibling rivalry, and heart health are the key to the book’s success.
The author’s unique approach to the novel-in-verse format serves as an exciting way to introduce verse to youth. Consider a literature-circle with other 2014 stories in verse including BROWN GIRL DREAMING and THE RED PENCIL.
Use THE CROSSOVER to introduce youth to other sports-related books for middle grades and young adults.
To learn more about the author, go to his website Book In A Day at http://www.bookinaday.org/.
Download the Educator’s Guide for lots of curriculum connections at http://www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/mta/kalexander/TheCrossover_BG.pdf.
This book belongs on the Newbery shortlist!
