The Crossover

Written by Kwame AlexanderA book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Rida     

The poetic novel The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is only told with a series of poems and verses. The main character is a boy who loves basketball named Josh Bell. He has an identical twin brother named Jordan, who is referred to as JB throughout the novel and also loves basketball.

You might think the twins are pretty similar, but they aren't. For example, JB likes shooting hoops from far away, unlike Josh who likes taking closeup dunks. JB likes North Carolina, but Josh likes Duke. JB likes trash-talking on the court, but Josh stays quiet. Throughout the story, these small differences cause big problems. Then, an incident happens that finally changes both of their perspectives.

I liked this book because it was different from other books. The entirety of the book is written in verse, which is unlike any other book I've read before. I also like basketball, so the book was relatable in some aspects.

Game Changer

Written by Tommy Greenwald

A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Mary

    

This is a story about a young football player named Teddy, who gets hit in the head and is in a coma. While Teddy is in a coma, his town is questioning if football should still be allowed. Many people are saying different scenarios led to his injury, and many don’t know the true story.

This was a great book. I loved not knowing what really happened until close to the end.

Game Changer

Written by Margaret Peterson Haddix

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Mary

    

This is a story about a young softball player named KT. At her big game, a freak accident happens that puts her in a coma. In the coma, she experiences a world that makes no sense, and she finds some people there that help her wake up.

I loved this book so much. I loved how it showed the love of a family, especially between a brother and a sister.