The Crossover
Written by Kwame Alexander
Instagram/Twitter: @kwamealexander
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a novel written in free-verse. The storyline follows young Josh as he maneuvers his seventh grade year with twin brother JB, and all the drama. Kwame's poems in this novel are each unique in style and in voice. Several of the poems included have the potential to spark young readers to write a similar poem of their own.
I tried writing my own version of the poem Game Time: 6:00 p.m. When beginning this, I was hesitant. I am not at all a confident writer, let alone poet. The first time that popped in my head is my routine I do 5 days a week when going to school.
School: 7:55 a.m.
after Kwame Alexander
6:00
the first alarm
I roll over
to snooze
some more.
6:15
second alarm.
I slide
out of bed
change into
professional day clothes
6:17
cover tired eyes
and stress blemishes.
wrestle
with my hair.
6:22
start
the
coffee.
6:25
brush
my teeth
check
the day's
weather.
6:27
prepare
and pack
my lunch box.
breakfast bar.
Diet Coke.
snack.
lunch.
chocolate.
6:30
third alarm
6:35
grab keys,
start car,
clean off
snow
and ice.
6:40
fix coffee.
grab bag,
lunch box,
mask.
go through
my mental checklist.
6:45
fourth alarm.
remind
myself why
so many
alarms.
6:47
leave home
for school.
worship playlist
volume
on 32.
7:02
school.
work.
my working home.
7:05
prepare
for
the day
ahead.
7:15
doors open.
students
trickle.
laughter.
chatter.
tired eyes.
"good morning"
7:55
bell rings.
students
quiet.
As I wrote more and more, I found myself more comfortable with the format and rhythm of poetry. I start with a lot of pressure on myself to be "perfect," and it's not until I forget about that ideal that I begin to have fun with writing.
The first verse novel that I can remember reading was Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse in the 5th grade. Wow, did I hate reading and comprehending at that time of my life. This was the first year that I began noticing my disconnect between what I read and what I comprehended. Out of the Dust and Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. Though I would likely enjoy these now, later in life, then the only emotion I felt was frustration. I struggled with imagery and reading between the lines.
Out of the Dust, that first free verse novel experience, has caused my mind to be closed off to similar formats. I had only thought of poetry and free verse novels as serious, weighty writing.
The Crossover couldn't be a larger contrast from Out of the Dust. Crossover is an energetic, youthful novel on a subject many children and adults alike enjoy. There is drama, jokes, emotions, as well as serious topics of family and friend troubles; making it a story relatable to many readers and audiences.
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