Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Graphic adaptation captures basketball's power, poetry.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As THE CROSSOVER: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL begins, African American basketball players Josh and Jordan Bell are looking forward to a championship season on their junior high basketball team. Josh is totally committed, but his twin brother Jordan seems distracted by his new girlfriend. When Josh lashes out, he nearly causes permanent damage to his brother. Meanwhile, their father is not taking care of his health, and their mother is disappointed in Josh's rudeness. Will the family come together and be the supportive unit it once was?
Is It Any Good?
Sports are often seen as building character, and this action-packed and affecting coming-of-age tale uses basketball as a metaphor for commitment and achievement. In The Crossover, Kwame Alexander's energetic verse strikes the right note as he spins the story. Illustrator Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic drawing captures both the external and the internal struggles of the characters, on and off the court. An excellent choice for reluctant readers, the graphic novel of The Crossing has the narrative magnetism to attract more than just sports fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Crossover uses the subject of basketball to teach lessons about life in general. What do sports teach athletes about discipline and commitment? How should they be mixed with academics to make a fully rounded education?
Josh has a hard time dealing with his brother's new girlfriend. Are Josh's feelings about more than jealousy?
Why won't Josh's father see a doctor about his hypertension? How can you persuade a loved one to get the medical help they need?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dawud Anyabwile
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 24, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 18
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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