But Im not there. Her looks not her personality is what first catches JBs attention. After the funeral, Josh makes another attempt to reconcile with JB when JB gives him his fathers championship ring by saying, We Da Man. The author leaves us with the sense that the brothers will find their way back to each other. The story is told from Joshs point of view. This suggests that the loneliness was easier to deal with when Josh wasn't the one enforcing it. Rebounding / is the art / of anticipating, / of always being prepared / to grab it. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Exploration of this text can be a gateway into students writing. This story, about twelve year old Josh and his twin Jordan, is a joyful and dynamic celebration of language. At the stoplight, JB and Josh look out the window at the same time, and Josh knows what his brother is thinking. Second, Alexander increases the sense of foreboding when it comes to Chuck (JBs seeing-a-ghost expression is telling). is blocked, which results in that part of the heart muscle suffering damage or dying. From the doorway, a stricken Mom says he should go sit down for dinner. JB is on fire and blazes from baseline to baseline. Again, Dad's desire to yell at the ref speaks to a desire to feel relevant and useful on the court, even though his playing days are over. Josh watches, Vondie brings the ball up the court, but the defense presses close. On the way home from the hospital, there is no music and no talking. When JB seems willing to laugh and agrees with Josh's request, it suggests that he sees this as the olive branch that it is and is now willing to start to move forward. The heart attack Chuck suffers during the one-on-one game at the end of this section is not the last warning we hope it is: rather, its a sign that there is no going back. June 22, 2022; Posted by . Exposing students to verse novels such as this allows them to explore the artistic elements that combine to evoke personal and powerful emotions in the reader. 0000007406 00000 n The students at Rutland Town School had some questions for the author. He also likely recognizes that by hearing what the doctor has to say, he'll be able to better help Mom in encouraging Dad to make healthy choices. We see the shock wave ripple through the family when all their attempts to help Dad take ownership for his health fails and he dies. Miss Sweet Tea calls 911 while, The doctor pats Jordan and me on the back and says. His suggestion to write JB a letter again speaks to the power of words and communication. He asks Dad if they can stop at the sneaker store. As an example, he says that if, them from the restaurant. The Crossover Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary The title of this book (The Crossover) is an important phrase and idea throughout the book. Or what is his goal? Kwame Alexander: "Oh my gosh! It's, The boys each ask how the other is and then, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. 0000003750 00000 n Kwame Alexander: Wow, never been asked the question before. I think Josh was the first character I wrote. 1162410. He wonders if she actually plays. Charles's financial troubles were causing Dee Dee a lot of crises. Childrens Literature, Briefly(6th ed.). When my Dad gets pulled over, I worry that he is going to get a ticket; the thought that he would go to jail never crosses my mind. Struggling with distance learning? The Crossoverhas so much meaning for young adults. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. include his brilliant coming of age novel Rebound (published by Andersen Press). Alexis went to Nike Hoops Camp for Girls; she knows how to do a crossover; her parents are divorced; she shoots hoops at the rec center to relax; she smells like sugarplums; her sister goes to Duke. After dinner, Dad takes Josh and. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. are down by seven. Basketball is extremely important to them, and they both want to play professionally someday. This illustrates how a person can use language to shape their identity. This book presents a realistic view of family life; the constant cycle of joys and hurdles. Kwame was also the 2018 NEA Read Across America ambassador. And so that was the first character that I created. This is also an attempt to make Josh understand this, since Josh's narration implies that he doesn't see JB's relationship as something normal or expected. Coach, Dad, and the crowd all scream for Josh to pass the ball. 2020 Pro Custom Essays. Dads blood pressure was so high during the game that his nose started bleeding profusely. They are depicted as complex, challenging and ever changing. Previously, in "Dear Edward" episode 7, we saw Edward get to know Mahira, Jordan's girlfriend. JB sweats profusely when Miss Sweet Tea walks into the room. She sends Josh luck and says that she made, to play one more game and is afraid that Dad is dying. I am writing a prequel to The Crossover. What happened to allow JB to cut Joshs dreadlocks? In the list of Things I Learn at Dinner, Alexander gives her even more nuance in terms of divorced parents, a coping mechanism (She shoots hoops at the Rec to relax" [172]), and troubles of her own (Her mom doesnt want her playing basketball" [172]). And while Dad is telling us another story for the hundredth time, Mom removes the saltfrom the table and JB goes to the buffet.He brings back three packages of duck sauce and a cup of wonton soupand hands them all to me.Dad pauses, and Mom looks at JB.That was random, she says.What, isn't that what you wanted, Filthy? PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. PDF e d u c ator's Guide The Crossover by KWAME ALEXANDER - TeachingBooks.net In the Old, the people of Israel cross the Jordan. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. In particular, it begins to align him with Dad, who is still highly regarded even though he's also not playing. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. He admits he is empty: he is the goal with no net. However, some parts of the book are written as a lyric poem, which is melodic and soundlike. They are like "two stars / stealing sun" and "like two brothers / burning up. Da's pulse is gone. Josh's concern that Dad won't be around to parent him shows again that he's still very much a kid and isn't ready to grow up yet. This leads me to wonder if the stereotypes are portrayed the way they are in order to show accuracy; maybe its more the question of whose voice is missing. Outside their classroom, seventh and eighth graders at Rutland Town School are bounce passing and showing off their basketball moves, including the move their latest read was named for the crossover. Being named the MVP even though he's currently suspended speaks to how good a player Josh is. We see this form emerge in Joshs thoughts about his game. Explore the poetry of Michael Rosen in our Joy of Poetry series. Dad jokes about the name. / together" (159). Vondie passes the ball to Josh and Josh passes to. He even uses the word churlish to describe himself. She said she likes me a lot, I tell him.You mean she likes me a lot? Osborne-Bartucca, Kristen. Fights between friends usually end in a cutting off of the relationship as opposed to engaging in healthy conflict to find a resolution. I mean, you imagine Steph Curry going back behind his back with the ball or Allen Iverson doing his crossover or Michael Jordan or LeBron James moving to the basket in this rhythmic, energetic, really awesome way. Though Josh still thinks highly of Dad, now that he's aware of Dad's unwillingness to care for his health, it suggests that becoming "Da Man" might not be the entirely positive endeavor that Josh once thought it was. Theyre not alone. Use specific, quoted evidence from the poem to explore and illustrate your ideas. JB's choice to side with Miss Sweet Tea is an overt way to show Josh that he's still angry and not willing to make up. By staying engaged with the team during his suspension, Josh is able to show them that he still cares for them and wants to support them. In this poem, the author uses short, choppy lines to convey a sense of urgency; this narrates the story of Joshs dads heart attack. In the locker room. When Mom and Josh are washing dishes, he asks when Dads appointment is. 0000012066 00000 n 0000029230 00000 n JB is standing there and saying nothing; his eyes are looking past Josh. We raised nearly 7000 in our online auction! Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. 1079 0 obj <> endobj His life is broken like puzzle pieces and he can no longer fit. Mom and Dad are silent and serious in the front. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. He wants the boys to be their own people, and he wants them to know that becoming someone different is okay and expected. One of those actions leads Josh to write an apology letter to his brother. I was going to sort of remember what I went through during that age and I sort of knew that that was going to be the point of view, from his perspective. Refine any search. When JB and Josh are in a fight, she takes JBs side without question because this is the expectation for her as a girlfriend. JB only went toone. Seventh grader Dylan DiPietro wonders how that feels. Dad bites into his third donut and, when, out of you what they expect out of their own lives. atonement in the Crossover using the poem "Dear Jordan" Josh is concerned, asking about Moms advice to take it easy. During November we'll be sharing our love of poetry, by focussing on an excellent children's poet each week. -Graham S. Though Josh offers no insight into JB's thought process, it's worth considering that Josh's violent pass likely came as a surprise and was therefore even more hurtful than it might have been. Theyre having a fantastic time, and everyone there is watching. %%EOF "The Crossover THIRD QUARTER to At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad Summary and Analysis". Thus, readers come to know how the power of words and vibrant language evoke deep emotional responses as we read about Joshs life. Because of this, his request to stop at the sneaker store becomes something he does purely to show JB he sees him and cares about him and the things he's interested in. Assign this text to your students for free. I think it was very insightful inThe Crossoverto include the relationship Josh had with his coach. 0000002682 00000 n Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator and New York Times bestselling author, who has won numerous awards including the Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children. I don't know Can JB run with him, help him heal, slash with him like they used to? 0000044218 00000 n And after that type of success, Rutland Town seventh grader Joe Anderson wanted to know it theres more to come. endstream endobj startxref drives home from the hospital, the car is silent. Instant PDF downloads. He was only 39 and might have had a chance if he had seen a doctor sooner. Dear Jordan Josh writes his letter. The Crossover - Teacher Talk JB is running and gunning; he is a shooting star. His life is broken like puzzle pieces and he can no longer fit. Other of his many books (hes written 35!) At the End of Warm-Ups, My Brother Tries to Dunk. Sons of basketball legend Chuck Da Man Bell, basketball is in their blood. We are not liable to third-parties. Josh feels inspired when he is on the court, and this comes out in the rhymes that flow through him when he plays. Josh grows resentful of JBs new relationship with his girlfriend as he feels left out and lonely. Mom's reminder that behavior like this could land Josh in jail one day again points to the state of race relations in the US--as a black man, Josh is more likely than a white peer to end up in jail for a crime. Unfortunately, that wouldnt be a middle grade novel. The crossover is Joshs signature move, something his Dad taught him. Published by on October 25, 2020. When JB echoes, Yeah, Dad, can we? (189), the word we has never sounded so sweet to Josh. Hi Abby, Once again you have given detailed examination of the authors use of language. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. This site is using cookies under cookie policy . forever. Yes, what attracts the junior high boys to her immediately is her pulchritude, but she quickly reveals herself to be smart, opinionated, talented at basketball, and a caring friend. His favorite player is Michael Jordan, but he doesn't want people to think he's sweating him. Some of the language and experiences are counter to my own, which gives me a realistic glimpse into the life of an African American family. Then, by using Josh's word and sharing a smile with his brother, JB is able to say that he's willing to reopen lines of communication and reconnect with his brother. Josh thought that forever was far away, but he knows now forever is close. Page 130 | The Crossover Questions | Q & A | GradeSaver The Crossoveris a wonderful mentor text for adolescent writers. Males are mostly depicted in the role of sports hero; strong, popular and at the center of society. As he meditates, Josh sees a picture of, Second-Person. ", How did I react? Thus, readers come to know how the power of words and vibrant language evoke deep emotional responses as we read about Joshs life. So I didnt get the cool dad, I got the academic scholar dad that made me read books. No warm-up. This shows how much he respects and leans on his coach to show him the way when he is unsure. 0000009118 00000 n Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. He suggests writing him a letter, and Josh thinks that could work. Josh is studying by himself. This begins to show Josh that if he starts to make amends with her, he might also get JB back. atonement in the Crossover using the poem "Dear Jordan" . dear jordan poem the crossover - thapcocdinhduong.com The The Crossover quotes below are all either spoken by JB or refer to JB. Josh does not have much to say but apologizes. . Josh struggles to answer and says he's sorry and didn't mean to hurt, Mom insists that's not acceptable and reminds Josh that he'll need to apologize to, doesn't understand how his behavior became so churlish. It began with Josh. At dinner, Mom is still upset about Josh's hair and makes. Family relationships are the epicenter of this novel. What does the postscript say in "Dear Jordan"? Josh's choice to apply this word to three very different areas of his life brings all of what he's currently worried about--JB, basketball, and Dad--together, illustrating again how language allows Josh to effectively construct his identity and his life. In the next several poems, the . instead, tells him that being early is always better than being a little bit late. He said, "I listen to instrumental jazz when Im writing, and I looked over to see what song it was and it was a song by Horace Silver called Filthy McNasty, and decided I am so going to use that name in this book.". 0000039010 00000 n v4Hc\ vNWzH`V8tWmQo1tpx5$k;#N#iZ4u&p4$l-&cH hmPw&][H6+^a4e 4)%iixYhRqvQ(9hSha?(_? Again, Dad's willingness to call Josh by his name shows that Dad respects that both of his sons are growing, changing, and taking control of their identities in perfectly normal ways. 0000014949 00000 n Dad sighs that the boys are getting older and they will manage. It doesnt help that his Dad keeps having health issues, but wont go to the doctor because he thinks this is a stupid waste of time. Kwame believes that poetry can change the world and he uses it to inspire and empower young people around the world. n :BSlGrm Mom insists that Dad call Dr. Youngblood. they win the championship trophy. This belief helps me to experience family dynamics and conflicts both similar and different to my own. The Wildcats are up by two now. Dad is gone "like the end of a good song. Alexis calls and Josh answers; she says hello and asks for JB. Joe Anderson: Will there be a sequel with Josh and Jordan playing high school basketball? Teachers and parents! He unleashes a killer crossover and everyone is hollering as Dad dribbles to the hoop. JB only went to one. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. In this activity, they will complete a Poem Analysis & Compare/Contrast Paired Text Activity. 16 0 obj <> endobj xref 16 46 0000000016 00000 n Identical twinsare no different from everyone else,except we look andsometimes soundexactly alike. This seems to support the stereotype that girls intellect and personality are secondary to their looks. As Josh and JB take over caring for their father, the tables turn and suddenly, they're thrown into adult roles. So, certainly there are some things from my life that have probably creeped into this book. 0000031472 00000 n Josh is busy taking his vocabulary test when, Josh doesn't pay any attention to his teacher or the dummy and instead he watches, Conversation. Apology Poem and Epistolary Poem "Dear Jordan" (p. 159) Found Poems "Article #1 in the Daily News (December 14)" (p. 155) "Article #2 in the Daily News (January 14)" (p. 225-226) . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one: ).