Book Talk Thursday Returns with The Crossover!


I know you have all been waiting for the return of Book Talk Thursday, and now it has returned! I have been reading plenty of books all summer long, and I have several to share. I start this week off with one that many of you may be familiar with since it won the Newbery Award and a middle school Virginia Readers Choice for 2016-2017. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a book you don't want to miss! (Amazon affiliate links in this post help fund book purchases).

In March of this year, I was blessed to see Kwame Alexander speak at the Virginia State Reading Association conference. Throughout his presentation, he used poetry to tell stories, and it was mesmerizing. The words rolled off of his tongue like magic.

The book The Crossover is no different. Told from Josh's (Filthy McNasty) point of view, the lyrical story made me laugh, worry, and cry. He makes basketball seem so easy while on the court, especially with twin brother Jordan. But when things start to change in middle school life, Josh's entire life changes. The ups and downs of life told through free verse help the reader truly understand what is happening and give emotion to the story.

It is definitely a book for middle school boys. Some of the vocabulary in the book is higher level, but those words are defined throughout the book and used in context with what is happening in the story. Definitely worth the read, and boys who love basketball will find it intriguing and fun to read!

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Josh's middle school life changes over the course of one basketball season. Written in free verse, this book tells a beautiful story!

So, what books have you read this summer? Link up with me throughout the rest of the summer and give us all some great ideas for new books to read and enjoy. I will begin highlighting more of the Virginia Readers Choice books as the summer ends and the school year begins.

   

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2 comments

  1. Hi Andrea: I teach for a Reading Specialist program in IL! I came across your blog and will be following to share your finds with my candidates. Thank you for posting! On a personal note, I have to say I'm very jealous- my family and I want to move to the Blue Ridge mountains in VA!

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    Replies
    1. Welcome! I grew up in Louisiana and always wanted to live in the mountains. It is definitely a beautiful and fun place to live!

      Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with your candidates.

      Andrea

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