The Crossover: A Newbery Award Winner

The Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award–winning middle grade bestseller! Basketball and heartache share the court in this slam-dunk novel in verse.

“With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. ’Cuz tonight I’m delivering,” raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood—he’s got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it’s all on the line.

In this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander, Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.

• Novel in Verse: Told with the fast, rhythmic beat of a basketball dribble, this powerful story is perfect for middle schoolers and reluctant readers.
• Twin Brothers: Meet Josh and Jordan Bell, twelve-year-old twins who are unstoppable on the court—until a new girl comes between them and tests their lifelong bond.
• A Powerful Family Story: More than just a sports book, this is an emotional story about brotherhood, love, and the unbreakable ties of family, even in the face of tragedy.
• Coming of Age Story: Follow Josh and Jordan as they navigate the challenges of growing up, from first crushes and shifting friendships to discovering who they are away from the basketball court.