Structure and Style
Kwame Alexander decided to write The Crossover in this form instead of prose, like most novels
What is poetry?
The first negative reaction we notice Josh having in the text, which led us to think about emerging conflicts
what is jealousy?
A kind of conflict that happens inside a character's mind
What is internal conflict?
This is what Josh loses in a bet with JB — becoming a symbol of his identity for the rest of the book.
What are his "locks"?
Josh's nickname, from a song title, given to him by his dad
What is Filthy McNasty?
These poems give Josh, and the reader, life advice.
What are "Basketball Rules"?
The major conflict not involving JB and his new girlfriend
What is Chuck's health?
The author's attitude towards the specific topic of the text
What is tone?
Josh does this to JB during a basketball game, getting him suspended from the team.
What is throwing the ball into JB's face?
This character is obsessed with Michael Jordan
Who is Jordan Bell (or JB)?
This poem is structured like a formal newspaper report.
What is "Article #1 in the Daily News"?
Josh's growing resentment toward JB and Alexis — which turns out to really be about fear of losing him — reflects this theme
What is fear of loss, or loss being something we need to accept?
Something a reader comes up with using background knowledge and evidence from the text
What is an inference?
Chuck had a tryout for this NBA team, before he retired early.
What are the Los Angeles Lakers?
Chuck's nickname, which he repeats often in the novel
Who is "Da Man"?
The form that Kwame Alexander used for conversations between characters
What is a couplet or tercet?
A transition, or "crossover" that requires us to overcome difficult challenges and face losing things that matter to us
What is coming of age?
A traditional form of Japanese poetry that has five lines and a total of 31 syllables
What is a Tanka?
The poem where Josh's feelings towards JB and Alexis shift from annoyance and jealousy to anger and resentment
What is "Tipping Point"?
His girlfriend says "which" a lot
Who is Vondie?
The type of figurative language used in the poem "Storm" to convey Chuck Bell's intense emotions and his protectiveness of towards his sons.
What is an extended metaphor?
The Bell family's love of basketball, used to connect, communicate, and grow together, reflects this theme.
What is basketball as a symbol for life/family?
The medical name for the health accident Josh's dad suffered from at the rec
What is myocardial infarction?
The word Josh uses to describe Alexis when him and JB first see her, which means physically attractive
What is "pulchritudinous"?
This character had a fight with his brother in highschool, and they never made up
Who is Coach?