The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

 

-from Kwame Alexander's website

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander, Kwame. 2014. THE CROSSOVER. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-544-10771-7.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Filthy McNasty. That was the nickname that Josh Bell was given at a young age by his father, a former basketball star.  Josh, and his twin brother, Jordan, were coached in the art of basketball since they could walk.  They both excelled at the sport. It was their life, at least until Jordan got his first girlfriend. Then, for the first time, Josh started to feel disconnected and forgotten by his brother. Around the same time, their dad, “Da Man” started to have some health issues….

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Kwame Alexander is a lyricist. His verses are both musical and powerful. Centering the Bell family dynamic around basketball is a cultural marker.  For many African Americans, success in sports was one of the only avenues of financial success in America for too many years.  

This book includes many aspects of culture.  One of the biggest elements of culture is food. The Bell family fluctuates between the food they love to eat and the healthy food they should eat. Pollard’s fried chicken and Krispy Kreme’s donuts are family favorites, but they also contribute to the health issues the family faces. Specifically, there is an emphasis on the health issues that plague black males. Alexander writes a storyline that portrays the premature deaths of generations of African American men from heart health. 

Language is a cultural marker that Alexander highlights in this story. Josh likes words, so there are several chapter titles that read like an entry in a dictionary, like “caᐧlamᐧiᐧty [KUH-LAM-IH-TEE] noun,” or “iᐧronᐧic [AY-RON-IK] adjective.” The acquisition of language is an indication of education, which is a sordid issue within the African American community.

Music and clothes are other cultural elements woven within the book.  Legendary Air Jordans are valued, as well as the player they are named after. There are also several “chapters” dedicated to hair, and the role it plays in identity.  When Josh cuts off his dreads, after a bet with his brother goes awry, he mourns the loss of them.  He even keeps them in a box.   

One of the most remarkable elements of this story is love. The love between the brothers, and the love between the father and his sons is exceptionally beautiful.  The way they encourage one another and support one another is moving.  When tragedy strikes, it is the strength of the family that carries the boys through. 

D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Coretta Scott King Author Honor, 2015

Kirkus Reviews starred, January 2014: “The basketball action provides energy and rhythm for a moving story. Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch.”

Newbery Medal, 2015

Publishers Weekly starred, January 2014

School Library Journal starred, March 2014: “ Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heart and begs to be read aloud. A slam dunk.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, August 2014

E. CONNECTIONS
Alexander’s “Crossover series” now contains three books, The Crossover, Booked, and Rebound. These three books are all novels in verse that are centered on sports. They are great, accessible reads for middle grade students.  Other great sports fiction for similar aged readers would be Hoops by Matt Tavares, the Track Book series by Jason Reynolds, and Fast Pitch by Nic Stone. 

Bull by David Elliott

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Elliott, David. 2017. BULL. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780544610606. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Greek Mythology has never felt so contemporary! Elliott retells the ancient tale of Theseus and the Minotaur in a modern-day novel in verse.  It is a heartbreaking story of revenge and jealousy.  Asterion, the Minotaur, is a victim of curse and circumstance, whose physical appearance precludes him from acceptance and love. After Poseidon sets his plot in motion, he sits back and watches the players deteriorate and descend into misery.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The poetic structure of this book is exceptionally unique and powerful. It is entrancing- with its dramatic soap opera-like plot of twisted loves and family betrayal. Elliott has taken a story that has been told and retold so many times, and he has given it new life. 

The Afterword gives insight into the varying poetic structures of the different character voices. Elliott was very intentional with the relationship between structure and meaning.  He gave different characters different poetic forms. The varying cadences enhance the potency of the character’s thoughts and feelings, and distinguish the perspectives. 

His characterization of Asterion is sympathy-inducing. The reader can’t help but fall in love with this sad aberration. All he wants is love and acceptance from his own family. His unique parentage is no fault of his own, yet he bears the burden of his mother’s cursed misdeed. He maintains hope for longer than anyone would expect.

The universal lessons of choice and consequence can be seen in several plot points. Even when the choice is not your own, it does not prevent one from bearing the consequences. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, (December 2016) “Effective both for classrooms and pleasure reading, this modernization brings new relevancy to an old story. It’s a conceit that easily could have floundered; in Elliott’s capable hands, it soars.”

Horn Book Guide starred, (October 2017)

Kirkus Reviews starred, (December 2016) “Elliott’s absolutely magnetic rhythms will wake up any high school class, and the book could also work as a play. Irresistible, slick, and sharp (no bull!)—with plenty of bull to dissect.”

School Library Journal, (February 2017)

Teacher Librarian, (April 2018)

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), (February 2017)

5. CONNECTIONS
*Because of the language, this book is recommended for grades 9+.  It would be a strong addition to a more modern mythology unit, along with the Olympians series by George O’Connor, and the graphic novel of The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds.
*For high schoolers and beyond, Bull would be a great introductory novel to a characterization study of the cast of the classic myth, with further, more in-depth readings like Ariadne by Jennifer Saint and Phaedra by Laura Shepperson. 

Starfish

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fipps, Lisa. 2021. STARFISH. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books. ISBN 978-1-66883-520-3. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This well-written novel-in-verse proves that your heart can fall in love, while breaking at the same time. The young protagonist, Ellie, has such a great personality, but few look beyond her physical appearance. Her family dynamic is splintered, between a caring, supportive father, and a critical, harsh mother. Sadly, bullying is a constant in Ellie’s life, whether at home or at school. Thanks to a life-changing therapist, Ellie discovers her self-worth and learns how to stand up for herself. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wow. This book was so sad. I cried multiple times. The cruelty that the main character, Ellie, experiences is almost unbelievable. However, the author’s notes explain that the bullying episodes that Ellie endures are based on her own life experiences. This explains why the character’s words and reactions seem so believable. 

Even though the ruthlessness that Ellie endures is heavy, the tone of this book stays light. Fipps doesn’t explore the depth of the hurt and rejection her protagonist would most likely experience.  In typical YA fashion, her problems are mostly resolved in a 200 page timeline. 

The young protagonist is certainly loveable. Ellie finds joy in her best friends. She finds unconditional love in her relationship with her dad and eventually with her sister.  Her older sister and Ellie are the only dynamic characters that transform through the progression of the novel. The characterization is built almost exclusively through their direct dialogue with the narrator.  

Books like this are important. They can help guide kids through life’s difficulties and even offer hope. However, YA novels need to be careful to not underrate the severity of the tough issues. The mental and emotional anguish young people experience from bullying may require significant intervention and/or therapies. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2022
Booklist starred, (December 2020)
Kirkus Reviews starred, (February 2021)
Michael L. Printz Honor, 2022
School Library Journal starred, (February 2021)
Texas: Lone Star Reading List, 2022

5. CONNECTIONS
*There are other great books about bullying, and specifically about kids being bullied for their weight.  Garvey’s Choice, by Nikki Grimes, Dear Sweet Pea, by Julie Murphy, and Jelly by Jo Cotterill would all pair well with Starfish, and be great book club material for discussion around this topic.

Inside Out & Back Again

 

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lai, Thanhha. 2011. INSIDE OUT & BACK AGAIN. New York: Harper. ISBN 978-0-06-196279-0. 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This YA novel in verse is the story of Hà, the youngest in a Vietnamese family living through an ever-changing world in the 1970s.  Hà’s thoughts and observations sometimes seem like a typical, funny pre-teen, but she also conveys the tension of life with a missing father and a collapsing country. Her mother tries to hold on to hope, while she works hard to provide for her family. Hà’s three older brothers all have different coping mechanisms or preoccupations, from idolizing Bruce Lee to hoping for chicks. 

The book is partially autobiographical for the author, Thanhha Lai. The poems capture glimpses of the fear, the anger, and the heartbreak involved in leaving one’s homeland and relocating in a strange, new country. The story of this family’s resilience and strength is inspiring. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This tragic story captures a very unique experience, but it also speaks to common themes of emigration. The age and innocence of the narrator affects the tone and mood of the book. Throughout the book, the poems vacillate between suffering and superficiality.  The absence of her father affects Hà differently than the other family members because she was so young when he disappeared. Therefore, she observes the suffering of her loved ones, and grieves more for them than she does for herself.  

The form and syntax of the free verse structure complement the voice of a narrator whose first language is not English.  Her descriptions are usually short and simple, without complex sentence structure or elevated vocabulary.  The stanzas are usually short, and she uses sparsity for emphasis. 

There is so much of Hà’s experience that feels symbolic. Food is one example.  She is happy when she eats the goodies of the market. Times are bleak when they have little to eat on the Navy ship where they take refuge. When the Americans connect with them on the water, food is the most noted difference. Symbolism and spiritualism add layers of meaning to the adolescent perspective. The  papaya and the gong symbolize hope and peace in the household; both lost and then regained- inside out and back again. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist Starred

Kirkus Reviews Starred

Newbery Honor, 2012

School Library Journal Starred, Dec, 2011: “Told in verse, the story features a spirited child who misses her homeland and faces bullies, unfriendly people, and perfectly horrid American food. A tender tale, leavened with humor and hope.” 

5. CONNECTIONS

*To draw attention to the refugee experience, this book can be paired with other middle grade highly-reviewed books such as When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson or The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani. 

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

-image from Goodreads

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, Kwame. 2022. THE DOOR OF NO RETURN. New York: Little, Brown and  Company. ISBN 978-0-316-44186-5. 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Alexander emphasizes the African origin of the African-American story.  This story is about Kofi, an 11-year-old Ashante boy who loves his family and loves to swim.  We learn about his life in the village, where he goes to school with his friends and cousins. For Kofi, village life includes everything from the simple joys of ripe fruit to the harsh realities of festival wrestling matches. When Kofi is captured, he assumes it is the beginning of his journey to becoming a man. Instead it is the beginning of his journey to becoming a slave. The suspenseful ending makes room for the next novel in the series. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Warning: This story will rip your heart out.

Alexander authenticates his tale with Ashanti words, symbols and traditions. They all bring depth and texture to the storyline. His characterization is straightforward and uncomplicated– which fits perfectly with the setting and time period of the piece.  

The description of Kofi’s time in captivity is riveting. The potency of Alexander’s words will take your breath away.  The horrors of the experience are told through the ignorant and innocent eyes of a tribal child.  Alexander tempers the tragic details for his younger readers, but the truth behind his fictional story is absolutely heartbreaking. 

We need stories like this one.  We need to be reminded of what man can do to his fellow man, if he doesn’t keep his humanity and morality in check. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book, Best Book of 2022

Booklist Starred Review, “Through Alexander’s verse, readers are reminded of the beauty and unbounded richness that Ghana and her people have to offer...Alexander has written a masterpiece, one that powerfully and truthfully gives agency to the Black voices of the past. Profound and important reading."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use other cultural novels in verse: 

Unbound: a novel in verse, by Ann E. Burg 978-0-545-93427-5

Land of the Cranes, by Aida Salazar ISBN 978-1-66882-737-6

In the Beautiful Country, by Jane Kuo ISBN 978-0-06-311898-0

*Other engaging Historical Slave Fiction for middle-grades, that can be used in conjunction with Social Studies/American history lessons :

Chains, Forge, and Ashes, Seeds of America three book series, by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Freedom over Me: eleven slaves, their lives and dreams brought to life by Ashley Bryan, ISBN 978-1-53794-740-2

Freewater, by Amina Luqman-Dawson. ISBN 978-1-51605-097-0

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2014. BROWN GIRL DREAMING. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books. ISBN 978-0-399-25251-8. 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This novel in free verse is autobiographical.  Jacqueline Woodson tells her story of growing up and of being from Ohio, South Carolina, and New York.  The chapter poems create a genealogy, giving dynamic, endearing details of her loved ones while she describes the ins and outs of growing up. The book touches on significant civil rights issues, but from a child’s limited perspective. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story is beautifully written. Woodson’s words are simple, but powerful.  The free verse form of the book gives life to the hopes and dreams of a young girl.  

The child narrator freely gives grace and forgiveness to the flawed adults in her life story. The reader wonders if Jacqueline understands the events and actions of her adults, or if she is just observing their behaviors. Jackie speaks so matter-of-factly about the losses or hardships in her life.  But even when she does, she mentions it briefly and then moves on quickly to the next thing. 

The space Woodson uses is nearly as potent as the words she uses.  She creates space between her verses for listening and wonder. She also regularly employs parallel structure for emphasis.  

Her unique experiences of moving around the country provides the reader with different depictions of life in different black or diverse communities. Woodson skillfully juxtaposes her life in South Carolina with her life in New York City, neither perfect nor incomplete.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Author Award, 2015

Newbery Honor winner, 2015

National Book Award winner

Kirkus Reviews Starred, 2015: “Woodson cherishes her memories and shares them with a graceful lyricism; her lovingly wrought vignettes of country and city streets will linger long after the page is turned.”

Booklist starred, August 2014: “Her mother cautions her not to write about her family, but, happily, many years later she has—and the result is both elegant and eloquent, a haunting book about memory that is itself altogether memorable.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use specific poems, like “gunnar’s children” as an example and assign students to write descriptive poems about a loved one. 

*Other engaging books of free verse for middle graders:

Alexander, Kwame. THE CROSSOVER. ISBN 978-0544935204

LaRocca, Rajani. RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE. ISBN 978-0063047426

Warga, Jasmine. OTHER WORDS FOR HOME. ISBN 978-0062747815