Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Soaring, poignant, novel in verse hits all the right spots.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is a compelling read, resonating particularly with middle schoolers due to its relatable characters and life lessons centered around family and basketball, although some mention minor mature content. Despite some negative remarks, the overall sentiment leans toward appreciation for its emotional depth and storytelling, making it a recommended choice for young readers and fans of sports literature.
- relatable characters
- emotional depth
- life lessons
- family focus
- recommended for youth
- sports themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Josh and his twin brother, JB, are inseparable, on and off the court. With the support of their father, a famous basketball player, they're poised to have a great season, maybe even win the championship for their junior high. Then things start to change. JB starts to spend more time with girls than with Josh, their dad is hiding a health issue that could change all of their lives, and Josh begins to lose his way. One big mistake, and he's suspended from the team, estranged from his brother, and wondering how much time he has left with the brightest star in his world: his father.
Is It Any Good?
Wow -- Kwame Alexander's THE CROSSOVER is a fast-moving, poignant, rhythmic ride that will leave readers breathless and in tears. Written in verse that's at times boundless and at other times masterfully restrained, it could have been just another ode to urban life, the world of sports, and teenage basketball phenoms. Instead, readers realize within a few pages that they're in for much more. Alexander tells the stories that need to be told: intact families of people who care for one another more than they care for the game, strong role models who support their children's dreams, and the realities faced by a young person growing up in today's world.
Readers will fall in love with the characters, feeling the ache of loneliness, the heavy weight of worry, and the joy of family fun. Parents will love the opportunities the book presents for positive, deep discussions, as well as its slyly hidden life lessons and basic good values.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sports books. Why are they so popular with kids and adults? What kinds of themes come out in a sports story?
When you buy products endorsed by an athlete with a bad reputation, do you feel like you're supporting the athlete's behavior?
Have you ever worried about a friendship changing because one of you got a new interest, such as sports, music or other friends? How did the situation turn out?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 18, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Caldecott Medal and Honors , Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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