The Crossover, by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2019. $18.99 ages 10 and up

"My twin brother is a Baller.

The only thing he loves more
that basketball is betting. 

If it's ninety degrees outside
and the sky is cloudless, he
will bet you that it's going
to rain. 

It's annoying and sometimes
funny."

The Crossover (2015) was my introduction to Kwame Alexander's amazing talent as a storytelling poet. I read it numerous times, and recommended it as often as I could. I do the same today. Now, I also have this graphic adaptation of that original book to share with readers who love his work. and for those who don't know it.

I came to reading graphic novels late. I was not a parent who read comics to her kids, and rarely read 'the funnies' or comics on my own. What is available to readers today astonishes me. So, I share this powerful new take on the story with admiration for the visuals that bring Josh and Jordan to life.

Their story takes place over a year. Their father, a star basketball player, teaches his twin sons about the game he loves. Josh does most of the narrating. His game descriptions are personal and filled with all that he is feeling as he plays, and as he lives his life. He loves his brother, and aches to be who he wants to be. 

Dawud Anyabwile fills the novel's pages with expressive characters, and much attention to the details of the game and their lives. Every scene flows into the next, giving the reader a sense of the determination and work that goes into each play in every game. Their father's rules play an important and obvious role in the game and the way they live their lives.

"Basketball Rule #1  

In this game of life your family is
the court and the ball is your HEART.

No matter how good you are, no matter
how down you get, always leave your
heart on the COURT."

I love the way this book reads aloud. The brothers become real, their rivalry evident, and their differences obvious. Their love for each other is never in question, nor is their love of the game. There are many twists to their story.  If you don't think you like graphic novels, you will like this one. While it's focus is basketball, it is about so much more than that. Adding visuals to an already brilliantly told story ups the appeal, and leaves the reader heartbroken.

https://youtu.be/2hYsjeIiTLM