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TL;DR: Twelve-year-old twins Josh and Jordan Bell are basketball stars, thanks to their father, a former pro player. Josh, nicknamed Filthy McNasty, tells the story in rhythmic, rap-like poems. As Jordan falls for a new girl and their father hides his health problems, Josh struggles with jealousy, anger and a family loss that changes everything.
Table of Contents
The Crossover at a Glance
| Author | Kwame Alexander |
| First published | 2014 |
| Type | Verse novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a fast, emotional novel in verse about basketball and family |
The Crossover is a novel in verse by Kwame Alexander, published in 2014. It won the Newbery Medal in 2015. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes illness and the death of a parent.
Main Characters
- Josh Bell: A twelve-year-old basketball player and poet.
- Jordan “JB” Bell: Josh's twin brother.
- Chuck “Da Man” Bell: Their father, a former basketball star.
- Crystal Bell: Their mother, an assistant principal.
- Alexis: A girl Jordan likes.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The twins
Josh and JB play basketball on their school team and are very close. Josh has dreadlocks and loves words. JB is cool and confident. Their father coaches them with “basketball rules” for life. Their mother is strict about school and health.
Changes
JB starts dating a new girl, Alexis, whom Josh calls “Miss Sweet Tea.” Josh feels left behind and jealous. The brothers' bond is strained. Josh loses his locks in a bet and feels angry and alone.
The fight
During a game, Josh passes the ball too hard and hits JB in the face, breaking his nose. Josh is suspended from the team. He feels terrible but is too proud to apologize. The brothers stop talking.
Dad
Their father has health problems but refuses to see a doctor. He eats unhealthy food and faints. Their mother is worried. Josh is scared but tries to stay strong. During the championship game, their father has a heart attack and is rushed to the hospital.
The crossover
Josh plays in the championship and wins, but his father dies soon after. The twins grieve together and reconcile. Josh shoots free throws in his father's memory. The book ends with Josh remembering his father's lessons and moving forward with his brother.
5 Key Takeaways
- Family bonds are strong but can be tested.
- Jealousy can cause hurt.
- Health matters.
- Grief can bring people together.
- Sports can teach life lessons.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Words can be as powerful as actions.
- Forgiveness can heal relationships.
- Lessons from loved ones stay with us.
Who Should Read The Crossover?
Read The Crossover if you are a young reader who enjoys sports, poetry and family stories. It suits ages 10 to 14.
About Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander (born 1968) is an American poet and author of more than 35 books. The Crossover won the Newbery Medal and was adapted into a Disney+ series in 2023. His other books include Booked, Rebound and The Undefeated, a picture book. He also founded literacy programs for young readers.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Crossover:
- How do Josh and JB's feelings change?
- Why does their father refuse to see a doctor?
- How does the verse style shape the story?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Crossover is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Crossover, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is energetic, moving and fun to read aloud.
Check price of The Crossover on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Booked by Kwame Alexander: a soccer story in verse
- Rebound by Kwame Alexander: a prequel about the twins' father
- Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds: a powerful novel in verse
Related: 15 Books Like The Crossover You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Crossover about?
Twin brothers play basketball and face family challenges.
Who wrote it?
Kwame Alexander, in 2014.
Is it written in verse?
Yes, in poems.
Who are Josh and JB?
Twin brothers and basketball players.
What happens to their father?
He has a heart attack and dies.
Did it win awards?
Yes, the Newbery Medal in 2015.
Is there a TV series?
Yes, a 2023 Disney+ series.
What age is it for?
About 10 to 14.
How long is it?
About 240 pages.
Is it sad?
Yes, but also uplifting.
Is it good for reluctant readers?
Yes, the verse makes it quick to read.
Is there a prequel?
Yes, Rebound.
Why is it called The Crossover?
It is a basketball move, and it also reflects the changes in Josh's life.
Who are the main characters in The Crossover?
The main characters are Josh Bell, Jordan “JB” Bell, Chuck “Da Man” Bell, Crystal Bell and Alexis. Josh Bell: A twelve-year-old basketball player and poet. Jordan “JB” Bell: Josh's twin brother. Chuck “Da Man” Bell: Their father, a former basketball star.
Is The Crossover worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a fast, emotional novel in verse about basketball and family. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.