Author of the Month Kwame Alexander

Identical twins Josh and Jordan couldn’t be more different – even on the basketball court where they both shine thanks to their dad’s pro ball experience – but their bond of brotherhood has always been strong. When a new beauty starts school, both boys fall head over heels, but she's only got eyes for one. Will this new interest break their bond?

Basketball, girls and family abound in The Crossover, the latest by author, poet and January's Author of the Month, Kwame Alexander.

Questions and Activities

  • Learn how to do the perfect crossover from basketball great Michael Jordan.
  • Josh got his nickname from a song by jazz pianist Horace Silver called "Filthy McNasty." Do you think it fits Josh's personality?
  • There are 10 basketball rules in the book. How does each one fit with what is happening in the story?
  • Josh and Jordan's dad played in the European Basketball league. How is it different from the National Basketball Association?
  • The author uses many different poetic forms in this novel, such as free verse, tanka, epistolary, list and others. Choose your favorite poetic form and write a poem about your favorite sport or hobby.
  • Josh and Jordan are inspired by many basketball players. Choose your favorite and find out more about what makes them great basketball players:
    • Kevin Durant
    • LeBron James
    • Chris Paul
    • Magic Johnson
    • Michael Jordan
    • Earl "The Goat" Manigault
  • Why do you think the author used dictionary entries for 12 poems? How do these words reflect what is happening in the story?

Discover even more about Alexander in our Q&A about his writing process.