Crossover, The (Winner Of The Newbery Medal)

Description: 'With a bolt of lightning on my kicks...The court is Sizzling. My sweat is Drizzling. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering' 12-year-old Josh and his twin Jordan have basketball in their blood. They're kings of the court, star players for their school team. Their father used to be a champion player and they each want nothing more than to follow in his footsteps. Both on and off the court, there is conflict and hardship which will test Josh's bond with his brother. In this heartfelt novel in verse, the boys find that life doesn't come with a play-book and it's not all about winning.

Review: "This novel in verse is rich in character and relationships ... Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch" Kirkus, starred review "Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heat and begs to be read aloud. A slam dunk." School Library Journal, starred review "The poems dodge and weave with the speed of a point guard driving for the basket ... swings from moments of swagger-worthy triumph to profound pain." Publishers Weekly, starred review "Full of heartbreak and exhilaration" Metro, The Best Books for Young Minds "Mesmerising... a beautifully constructed and powerfully emotional novel." Irish Times


Author Biography: Kwame Alexander is a poet, children's book author, playwright, producer, public speaker, performer, and winner of the Newbery Medal for his novel-in-verse, The Crossover. He conducts creative writing workshops in middle and high schools, often reaching more than five hundred students monthly. He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Washington, D.C., area. Visit his website at www.kwamealexander.com.


A powerful novel in verse about twin brothers who are rivals both on and off the basketball court. Winner of the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Honor Award.