The Crossover (2014) by Kwame Alexander won both the Newbery and Coretta Scott King awards that year, along with many other awards. I am very late to this classic, but I was looking for a short, quick read by an author of color, and this one came up on Libby. I love a novel-in-verse and this one was no exception. Even if you don’t like novels in verse, sports, or middle grade novels, don’t miss it.
Told from the perspective of Josh Bell, a 12-13 year old son of a former NBA player and an educator, Josh and his twin brother Jordan have always played on their school’s basketball team together. But things are changing; Jordan may have a girlfriend now, and Josh feels left out but doesn’t know how to say that. His father doesn’t seem OK from a health standpoint, but no one can tell him anything.
Alexander’s verse is so good! Wise and funny, emotional and true, I read it in one sitting. I loved how Josh kept learning new words, and how he noted his father’s rules for basketball and life.
When
you stop
playing
your game
you’ve already
lost.
A reminder to all of us to keep going–keep doing what makes you happy, despite everything else. It’s a lesson that we can use no matter how old we are. That’s why I continue to read kids books–they often have just as much or more wisdom than those written for adults.
And I can report that The Crossover is weight-neutral, without any negative descriptions of fatness. Although there is some diet culture in the discussions of food, it seemed to be geared more towards lower sodium intake and management of hypertension–specific health conditions that aren’t necessarily indicative of body size.
Reading While Fat 