The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

From Goodreads,

"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," announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood.


Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family."

Goodreads - The Crossover

Awards:

• Newberry Medal (2015)
• Coretta Scott King Award for Author Honor (2015)
• Charlotte Huck Honor Book (2015)

This book was recommended to me by a student.  He told me it was amazing and the ending would be a huge surprise.  This book is about two brothers, Josh and Jordan, who are both basketball superstars.  Their father was also a basketball superstar and ended up losing his big shot due to an injury.  Josh tells the story of his family in verse.  He tells of the relationship with his brother and his brother's girlfriend, as well as the relationships with his mom and dad. 

This book was a very quick read due to it being in verse form.  This isn't a book I would initially pick up and read, but as I said before, a student recommended this book to me.  He said it was an amazing book and I just had to read it.  When a student recommends a book you kind of have to do your teacher duties and read it.  I read this book and enjoyed it a fair amount.  The book is a quick read thanks to it being written in verse form.  I feel that this is a book that everyone can connect to in some way or form.  For me it was the dad having heart problems.  My dad has had the same signs and symptoms as the dad in the book and I understood that worry and concern that was present in the book.  I liked having the connection because it really allowed me to enjoy the book a little bit more.  

The student that recommended this book to me told me that I would be surprised by the ending.  While reading I saw the subtle signs throughout the book of what was going to happen.  I guess for that aspect it was a little bit of a let down because I was expecting a big phenomenal ending.  There were a few moments of questionable content with the parents.  There were also a few times where the kids called each other names.  

I'm glad my student recommended this book, and I hope that some of my other students take the time to read this book.  I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.