Basketball as a metaphor for growing up

Alexander, K. (2014). Crossover. NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Josh Bell is the book’s narrator and protagonist, and from the outset, Alexander tells his story completely from his point of view. Rather than use traditional dialogue and first or third person narration, Alexander writes Josh’s story using verse fiction. Every line and every word allows the reader the opportunity to feel Josh’s triumphs and struggles, from the joy he takes in his basketball skills, to the jealously he feels towards his twin J.B, and the sense of loss he feels when J.B. chooses some girl over Josh. But the true achievement of Alexander’s award-winning book is how brilliantly he develops the metaphor of the ‘crossover’ throughout the storyline from the changing relationship with his twin J.B., to his father’s final crossover at the book’s climax. But at its heart, the true change is in Josh. The book opens with Josh glorying in his own brilliance. He has not yet known true hardship. By the conclusion, Josh has learned hard lessons and experienced great loss. Today’s youth will find much to relate to in this engaging young adult novel.