My Thoughts:
The original book, The Crossover, is a novel in verse about middle school twins Josh and Jordan Bell. The poetry is like hip hop and street ball. The back and forth banter from the twins as well as their basketball legend father mirrors the rhythm on the court, dribble, crossover, the silence as the ball sails to the net, 3 points. It is vivid enough, that it makes a great novel in verse as well as an audiobook.
However, this graphic novel illustrate by David Anyabwle is essential. It feels like a whole new experience. I got more feels from this version because of the dynamic and purposeful choice in words from Alexander's text as well as how it fits into the page like part of the illustration. The drawings of the family are stunning. It pulled me in as if I was getting to know these people in real life.
Best version yet.
From the Publishers:
“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,” raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood—he’s got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it’s all on the line.
See the Bell family in a whole new light through Dawud Anyabwile’s dynamic illustrations as the brothers’ winning season unfolds, and the world as they know it begins to change.
Publication Information:
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: David Anyabwle
Publisher: Clarion Books (September 24, 2019)
Paperback: 224 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1328575494
Grade level: 3-7
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