The Crossover

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Josh "Filthy" and Jordan "JB" Bell are twins whose love of basketball is inspired and shared by their dad, who almost went pro before an injury he decided not to treat surgically destroyed his chances. Despite having pretty different personalities, the two brothers are close, until their eighth grade year, when JB gets a girlfriend, and Josh finds himself odd man out. It's also during this time that their father's health problems - hypertension and heart disease - begin spiraling out of control. Written in short, vibrant free verse poems, this moving novel told from Josh's perspective is engaging and there is enough basketball action described to pull in some of its major fans without alienating those in it for the family drama. While abundant foreshadowing of the climactic event ensures it will come as little surprise to readers, this doesn't lessen its emotional resonance. Readers who love basketball and/or are dedicated readers of contemporary fiction, will find plenty to keep them in thrall.

Overall Book Score: very good