Family Bond
What line best shows that Josh looks up to his father?
“Dad’s the man.” This shows that Josh admires his dad.
True or False: For Josh, basketball is only a sport, not something that affects his life off the court. Provide evidence to support your answer.
False. Basketball is very important to him. Evidence: “Basketball is my heart and my life.”
What line in the book shows Josh’s frustration with his brother? Explain your choice.
“He’s never around anymore.” This shows Josh is upset because JB is spending time with Sweet Tea instead of him.
In ‘Crossover,’ what does Josh mean when he says he has ‘pulled the moon through the hoop’?
He means he made an amazing shot.
True or False: Josh’s decision to pass to JB during the game is driven by respect for his brother. Support your answer with evidence.
False. Josh doesn’t really want to pass to JB because he likes being the star. Evidence: “It stings when I pass.”
What does Josh feel about his brother’s relationship with Sweet Tea? Use evidence to support your answer.
Josh feels left out. Evidence: “He’s always with her, and I’m just standing in the shadows.”
What line best shows how basketball helps Josh deal with his emotions?
“When I’m on the court, the world makes sense.” Basketball helps him feel calm and focused.
Based on Josh’s reaction to his father’s health, what can we infer about his fears? Use evidence to support your answer.
Josh is afraid of losing his dad. Evidence: “I can’t lose Dad. He’s all I got.”
Identify a simile in the book that captures the intensity of a game. How does it contribute to the mood?
“Like a train, unstoppable.” This shows how fast and powerful the game feels.
What is the consequence of Josh’s jealousy toward JB? Provide a line from the text that supports this answer.
It causes tension between them. Evidence: “When I threw the ball, I felt good, but then everything fell apart.”
In the poem ‘Basketball Rule #2,’ how does the rule reflect the relationship between Josh and JB? Cite evidence.
“Don’t let your family get caught in the crossfire.” This rule means family should come first.
How does the author use basketball rules throughout the book? Pick a specific rule and explain how it connects to Josh’s life.
“Let your heart and soul guide you on the court.” This rule reminds Josh to stay true to himself.
How does Josh feel about the attention his brother receives? Which line supports your inference?
Josh feels jealous. Evidence: “I’m still here. Notice me.”
How does the author’s use of rhyme in ‘Basketball Rule #1’ reinforce Josh’s determination? Explain using evidence.
“Let your heart and soul run free, on and off the court with glee.” The rhyme shows how Josh is motivated to follow his dreams.
When Josh breaks a rule during the game, what consequence does he face? How does this moment affect his relationship with his coach and team?
Josh gets suspended from the game, which hurts his connection with the team and coach.
What line from the book shows how Josh’s dad influences his perspective on life and basketball?
“Always shoot for the sun and you’ll shine.” This shows his dad encourages him to dream big.
How does basketball affect Josh’s relationship with his brother? Provide evidence to support your answer.
Basketball sometimes causes fights between them. Evidence: “I just want him to know I’m the king of the court.”
What line shows Josh’s pride in his basketball skills? Explain how this pride shapes his character.
“I am the best.” This shows Josh is very confident, which sometimes causes problems.
Choose a metaphor used to describe Josh’s dad. How does it reflect his personality?
“He’s a silver fox on the court.” This shows Dad is clever and experienced.
How does Josh’s decision to act out of anger impact his relationship with his brother? Cite evidence.
JB stops talking to him. Evidence: “He doesn’t even look at me.”
Which moment in the book highlights the tension between Josh and his family? How does the author use language to show this tension?
When Josh throws the ball at JB. The short sentences make it feel tense and fast, showing Josh’s anger.
What evidence from the book best shows how basketball connects Josh to his father’s past?
Josh talks about his dad’s basketball achievements: “Dad’s the Chuck Da Man Bell, five-time champion.”
How do Josh’s thoughts reveal his internal struggle with family and basketball? Use a specific line as evidence.
“Sometimes it feels like basketball is all I have left.” This shows how much basketball means to him when things with his family get tough.
How does Kwame Alexander use rhythm and repetition in Josh’s narration to reflect his emotions? Use a line as evidence.
“My heart is racing, racing, racing.” The repetition shows Josh’s excitement or nervousness.
Identify a moment where Josh makes a tough decision. How does the author’s language emphasize the importance of this choice?
When Josh decides to apologize to JB, he says, “I’m sorry, for everything.” This shows his regret and growth.