Josh Bell
What is Josh Bell’s nickname?
Filthy McNasty which came from a jazz song titled by the same name.
What team offered Josh’s dad a free-agent tryout?
The Lakers, Josh and JB find a letter in his silver lock box it’s the offer and another letter stating his decision not to have surgery means he likely can’t play.
What figurative language is used in “After the Game?”
JB cackles like a crow. This means he is laughing loudly and in way that is gloating after winning a game.
What sound device is used in ”like a 747 ZOOM ZOOM”?
This is an onomatopoeia because it mimics the sound of something moving quickly.
What does the word “calamity” mean that Josh Bell often uses?
What motivates Josh Bell, the protagonist of the Crossover, to improve his basketball skills?
His father and wanting to live up to his legacy. Josh‘s father always says “Da Man” and this becomes a goal for Josh.
What type of food did JB’s dad choose when it was his month?
He chose Chinese food but Josh knows he really wants Pollard’s Chicken and BBQ but there mom has banned them from there.
“He looked at me like he missed the train.” What figurative language is used?
Simile is the figurative language used. It directly compares someone’s gaze to the feeling of having missed a big opportunity.
“My hair like wings, each lock lifting me higher and HIGHER.” What sound device is used here?
The is a simile. The comparison of hair to wings compares the similarity of the two.
What does Josh Bell describe his basketball game to, describing it as “sweet“ and “on fire”.
What is the hair style that Josh Bell has at the very beginning of the book?
His hair style is called dreadlocks also called “loc,” which he wears as a way to be different from his brother.
What musician does JB’s dad compare foul line shooting to?
“The sky is your limit.” What is the figurative language used here?
It is a metaphor. It means there are no boundaries to what you can achieve.
“Filthy McNasty is a MYTHical MANchild of rather dubious distinction.” What is the an example of?
This is alliteration because it repeats the “m” sound at the beginning of several words.
In the Crossover what does the phrase “ode” refer to?
It refers to a poem or song written to praise a person or thing. When characters in the Crossover mention an “ode” they are likely referring to a moment or action that is deserving of praise.
What is something that only Josh Bell can do on his team?
Dunk on a 10ft goal. It mentions that he is the only person on his team who can perform this which shows his superior skills compared to his twin brother.
What item of Josh and JB’s dad does mom suggest Josh put his dread in that his brother cut?
A silver safety box that is kept in their closet which is normally off limits.
What is the figurative language used in “If you miss enough of life’s free throws you will pay in the end.”
A metaphor, it compares life’s small but important decisions to free throw in basketball, saying that if you don’t take advantage of important opportunities it could lead to negative consequences.
“The red scissors from Coach’s desk smiled at me.” What is this an example of?
This is an example of personification because an object, the scissors, are given human qualities.
What is the phrase “enshrine” used by character Josh Bell to describe?
Josh Bell uses this phrase to describe how he would treat his dreadlocks. He means he would highly value and protect them as something precious.
What had to happen for Josh Bell’s brother to cut off a piece of his hair?
The game had to be tied and he needed to score the winning basket.
Why did the family start eating healthier?
They started eating healthier because of the dad’s history of heart problems which runs in his family.
What is the figurative language used in “I knew one day I’d need my own wings to fly”?
This phrase is a metaphor. Wings represent independence and the ability to succeed on your own.
This is an example of a hyperbole. It describes his basketball skills as being so hot and unstoppable like a fire.
What does the phrase ”crossover” mean in this book?
Crossover is a basketball move but it becomes a metaphor that represent significant life changes.