The students at Rutland Town School had some questions for the author. Recently, he lead a delegation of twenty writers and activists to Ghana where they delivered books, built a library and provided literacy professional development to teachers. GradeSaver, 9 September 2019 Web. I'm sorry Complete your free account to request a guide. denly giving just brief visual descriptions and using lots of ellipses? Josh is making moves and dribbling; Dad gets the ball, winks, dips, and sweats. 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. Josh is extremely regretful for what he has done, never trying to defend himself, but JB naturally decides to keep his distance all the same. The Crossover is a wonderful mentor text for adolescent writers. What, isn't that what you wanted, Filthy? Disclaimer: We are a custom writing service that provides customized for assistance purposes only. Down on the court, Storm. Tomorrow is the Last Day of School Before Christmas Vacation, Usually, Josh helps JB study, but JBs been studying alone lately. Alexis calls and Josh answers; she says hello and asks for JB. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. At the End of Warm-Ups, My Brother Tries to Dunk. As his relationship unravels with his brother, he finds himself at odds more and more with his parents. the playoffs are in two days, his grades were good, and the team needs him. Now can you go make my French toast please?. 0000014880 00000 n Its written in two columns and the author says it can actually be read several different ways: top to bottom, left to right or diagonally. Its called Booked. Kwame Alexander: I like to think that basketball is like poetry in motion. Pre-made quizzes on The Crossover Eight Week Quiz D that include 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions for a quick in-class quiz. And then I knew that there were going to be parents. Males are mostly depicted in the role of sports hero; strong, popular and at the center of society. He's survived by his wife (Mom) and his twin sons, Josh and, to look in the coffin. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. The Crossover, by award-winning children's book author and poet Kwame Alexander, was published in 2014 and won the 2015 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award Honor for children's literature. At the end of the chapter, why does the writing style change so drastically from what it was before, to sud So, if I could figure out what to do with a sequel to make it still compelling and meaningful and significant and keep it in that era. What thoughts and emotions does Josh express in "Dear Jordan"? comes for dinner, she asks for seconds of Mom's veggie lasagna. -Graham S. The timeline below shows where the character JB appears in, Dad insisted that the music was "fast and free" just like Josh and his brother, he does all the time--even if there's no chance of winning. They will be able to relate to the topic, theme, setting and emotion conveyed in the story. He has a book coming out in April about a soccer player who doesnt like to read. Joe Anderson: Will there be a sequel with Josh and Jordan playing high school basketball? Joshs earlier sense that everything was going well in his life and something bad was certain to happen soon has now revealed itself to have been very prescient. 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. Kwame Alexander: No, its not autobiography. "Jordan" is thought by most critics to allude to the Jordan River that is important to the people of Israel in the Old and New Testaments. He smiles at Mom, gives, happy. Actively Learn provides free ELA, science, and social studies digital contentshort stories, primary sources, textbook sections, science articles, novels, videos, and moreand embeds them with assignments aligned to standards for all 50 states that you can assign immediately or customize for your students. This implies that Josh dropped the proverbial ball when he passed to JB. The score of the Wildcats' first game is 35-18. And when I was born he was a PhD. 0000011131 00000 n The students at St. Etheldreda's School for Young Ladies are there to learn to behave as proper maidens should. 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. is wrong. This book is also available as a graphic novel! Josh goes about his routine, trying hard to repair what had been broken between JB and him. 0000013468 00000 n Just because he is elated to be the Daily News Junior MVP, doesnt mean it doesnt sting when Alexis and JB dont seem pleased at all. Dear Jordan from THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Shes a candy striper and cheerleader, and she talks about her favorite color being purple. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop makes the point that in multicultural literature, a characters humanity should come through. Kwame Alexander is able toto seamlessly bring different poetry elements, forms of poetry and genres of writing together to help the reader experience Joshs life and his humanity, as opposed to just reading about it. . He admits he is empty: he is the goal with no net. H\@. Dad apologizes to his family for losing his cool as. He tells a joke and, finally, they all laugh. One of the big changes in Joshs world is that his twin brother Jordan has started spending more time talking to girls and less time playing ball with him. 6yOk5qTo1?WIo(l _MR-a`3+"1@ My mom was a school principal My dad played basketball before I was born. It began with Josh. JB comes running out of the bathroom.What'd she say, Josh? This is the beginning of a big change in Josh and JBs relationship. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. For many students, reading this book with no ulterior motive could be the catalyst into a lifelong interest in poetry and inspire them to read more works like it. He founded a K-12 writing program called The Write Thing. This Book-in-a-Day writing and publishing program has created more than 3000 student authors. She asks him sternly if hes lost his mind, and she says boys who dont have self-control end up behind bars. Basketball is extremely important to them, and they both want to play professionally someday. Josh walks home alone after practice, which feels strange since he usually walks with, finds The Giver. like two stars stealing sun, like two brothers burning up. His postscript reads that he's sorry. 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? 0000012066 00000 n I think it was very insightful inThe Crossoverto include the relationship Josh had with his coach. He wants the boys to be their own people, and he wants them to know that becoming someone different is okay and expected. Mom texts a few times that she and Dad needed to leave because Dad did not feel wellhes fine, just tired. Explore the poetry of Michael Rosen in our Joy of Poetry series. Coach doesnt allow Josh to start the game since he was late, and later, something in Josh snaps. What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence? Literary Awards: Newbery Award (2015), Correta Scott King Award (2015), Focus: Poetry; Contemporary Realistic Fiction. His preferred nickname is, the game. 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. When Dad shifts the conversation to make it about losing his cool rather than his poor health, it shows that he's still trying to ignore his hypertension and wants to keep it a secret from his sons. After the game, in the locker room, unexpected bad event that often results in injuries. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Kwame Alexander: "Oh my gosh! He admits he is empty: he is the goal with no net. Dylan DiPietro: How did you react when you learned that The Crossover won the 2015 Newbury Award? 10. Josh hears Dad ask if he feels better and opens his eyes. he asks. Like Dad, Mom is able to take the long view and believe that this is a temporary phase in her sons' lives. He almost dunks, but an elbow comes up and fouls him to the floor. By doing so we are pulled into Joshs life in the most intimate way; allowing us to make connections to our own lives and experiences. Mom and Dad's choice to turn the conversation to JB and his relationship with Miss Sweet Tea shows again that they understand his new relationship is a normal part of his coming of age. Dear Jordan. trailer <<35AB4B5BD4F54B6294CFA91B5522B120>]/Prev 252765>> startxref 0 %%EOF 61 0 obj <>stream 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.". In particular, it begins to align him with Dad, who is still highly regarded even though he's also not playing. 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) . You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. 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. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs As Josh continues to cast himself as the helper in the family, he begins to see that doing so will actually allow him to be more successful. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. So, certainly there are some things from my life that have probably creeped into this book. This is the new name Josh has for Alexis. That boy is special, and it doesn't hurtthat Chuck "Da Man" Bell is his father.And mine, too. Now that Josh understands that Dad is ill, this strange panting raises alarms--which shows that Josh is growing up and becoming more aware of his surroundings. And it is about the father when he was 12-years-old. We raised nearly 7000 in our online auction! 0000003750 00000 n 0000001569 00000 n VU- endstream endobj 17 0 obj <>>> endobj 18 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 19 0 obj <>stream Dad jokes about the name. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. He adds that Mom said Josh could play if they make it to the championship game. Showing this tiny bit of positive regard suggests that JB is now willing to listen to Josh and rebuild their relationship. Ruth Bishop said that poetry "has a kind of magic and can help the reader see ordinary things in new ways." No practice to get ready. Mom insists that Dad call Dr. Youngblood. More books than SparkNotes. drives home from the hospital, the car is silent. Josh feels inspired when he is on the court, and this comes out in the rhymes that flow through him when he plays. My wife and I danced My daughter, whos seven-years-old, in second grade, she woke up and she came in the room and said, Whats all the commotion for? And we said, Daddy just won the Newbury Medal. And she said, Yay! Keen editors and support staff will supervise the task for you to guarantee Quality and ORIGINAL paper that scores high. becauseI'm watching Jordan pass notesto Miss Sweet Tea. Its not memoir. Instant PDF downloads. Josh gets a lot of accolades for being the Junior High MVP but Miss Sweet Tea tells him frankly that he is mean and did not deserve that award because of what he did to JB. Take a look! Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. We put their questions a to Kwame Alexander. The Crossover has been winning top prizes and awards in childrens literature. One night while on the way to a game, Joshs Dad gets pulled over for a broken taillight. How did the structure of the poem "Dear Jordan" on page 130 help us learn more about Josh and JB's relationship? With his eyes on a future at Duke, Josh seems to have it all. Article #1 in the Daily News (December 14). What happened to allow JB to cut Joshs dreadlocks? The silence Josh refers to is also a metaphor for JB himself, which turns it around to mean that Josh feels he'll die without his brother too. The The Crossover quotes below are all either spoken by JB or refer to JB. and Tells Us His Favorite Story (Again). Tomorrow Is the Last Day of School Before Christmas Vacation. ", How did I react? We see a strong marriage through the eyes of Josh; a relationship so strong he often alludes to the fact that he knows his parents are having sex; and though this appears to gross him out we can read between the lines to see his relief that all is good. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Discover award-winning poet Grace Nichols. Asked by jayionna m #1050276 on 9/23/2020 9:09 PM Last updated by jill d #170087 on 9/23/2020 9:41 PM Profusely means to pour forth in great quantity. And Iwonder what's in the notes. Mom and Dad argue. 4.7. And after that type of success, Rutland Town seventh grader Joe Anderson wanted to know it theres more to come. Josh wants a world outside of basketball, and he wants his relationship with JB to remain unchanged. I believe this book is a strong representation of cultural authenticity. For some adolescents, this is a situation that crops up often. I'm not paying attentionto anything he's sayingor to the dummy. The title of this book (The Crossover) is an important phrase and idea throughout the book. 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. Given that Dad's dad died in the hospital of hypertension, it's understandable that Dad is unwilling to seek help out of fear. 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. From the doorway, a stricken Mom says he should go sit down for dinner. We see a deep bond between all the family members in the weekly traditions they have, the way they interact with each other, the things they say to each other. He cares for it meticulously every day, and this is why he declines, The game is tied. We see this in Joshs description of their playing style. instead, tells him that being early is always better than being a little bit late. His life seems broken now, and he feels as though he doesn't fit anywhere. Mom and Dad are serious, while, few weeks. Vondie is suffocated by the defense and JB cant make the shot; the Wildcats are down at the end of the first half. He knows that this means, to Dad. Dad is joking and telling stories about Italy. Reproduced by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. She lets the news drop: he is suspended from the team. 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. Lets use rhyme, lets use free verse, lets use different types of poetry to sort of mimic and mirror that action on the court and do that on the page. 3. The significance of this comes across when Josh says, There are no coaches at funerals. As Josh and JB take over caring for their father, the tables turn and suddenly, they're thrown into adult roles. Mom tells JB that Josh has apologized for his mistake, but JB states that he saw the look in Joshs eye and it was not a mistake. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Notice that Josh hasn't said anything about being particularly interested in sneakers himself; that's JB's thing. He and JB lock eyes; theres that seeing-a-ghost sensation again. %%EOF Speaking of Alexis, even though the main characters of this book are obviously boys, Alexander does not make Alexis merely an object of desire or a dull cipher. JB echoes.And the word wenever soundedsweeter. Teachers and parents! Mom's phone rings and she shrieks. This sets an example that his health isn't important, which puts Josh and JB at risk. As with the last time this happened, sharing this look allows the boys to feel unified and as though they're a team in whatever's to come. Miss Sweet Tea shooting baskets at the other court. The inside of Mom and Dad's bedroom closet. His life is broken like puzzle pieces and he can no longer fit. Josh watches, Vondie brings the ball up the court, but the defense presses close. By analyzing how Alexander is able to use voice, word choice, sentence fluency and original ideas to write a powerful story, students will be able to create a story that reflects their own original idea. 5m%4|#w gJVxx3@#vwd)}Dt9h'3S? JB asks.And even though I never opened my mouth,I say, Thanks,becauseit is. The two - column structure used in the Crossover's poem "Dear Jordan" stands for; Josh and JB's broken relationship The two-column structure used in Dear Jordan symbolizes the broken relationship between the two brothers Josh and JB. 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. %PDF-1.4 % Kwame is the Founding Editor of Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt that aims to Change the World One Word at a Time. It refers to a basketball move (described in the . Or what is his goal? In this poem, the author uses short, choppy lines to convey a sense of urgency; this narrates the story of Joshs dads heart attack. 0000039010 00000 n A reporter from the paper asks, I'm on Free Throw Number Twenty-Seven. JB and Josh are estranged, but Dads making them play a three-on-three tomorrow at the rec center. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. They were missing Josh Filthy McNasty Bell, though, who is this papers Most Valuable Player. hbbd``b`$n zb1LL@k# #@ # _ Josh also has a strong relationship with his basketball coach and receives much guidance and support from him as well. Josh does not have much to say but apologizes. Josh wants in, but Mom warns him not to interfere. they win the championship trophy. He asks Jordan to help him and hang out with him again. The ball goes back and forth and Josh feels like he and, the gym over Thanksgiving break and why he cut his "cute" locks. 0000008243 00000 n Josh tries talking to JB, but JB does not reply; its been five days. For Josh, however, his world is being turned upside down with Dad's poor health and JB's interest in Miss Sweet Tea, both of which leave Josh feeling alone, so this feels especially fraught for him. Joshs mom is the assistant principal at his school, a fact he doesnt love. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. For example, Joshs mother tells him, Boys with no self-control become men behind bars. This is a reality for African American boys in todays society. What health problem does Chuck suffer from? Joshs Basketball Rules that appear throughout the book are a great way to get students to engage with the message of the book and think about how they could apply these lessons to their own lives. He wants Dad to talk to Mom because he feels like he needs to be in the playoffs and is letting his teammates down. The title of this book (The Crossover) is an important phrase and idea throughout the book. n :BSlGrm VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region. Dad falls, his eyes roll, and Josh screams. Josh, 15 On the surface level, this quote refers to Josh's hairhis beloved dreadlocks that he feels differentiate him from others and give him power and charisma on the court. This suggests that the loneliness was easier to deal with when Josh wasn't the one enforcing it. The crossover is Joshs signature move, something his Dad taught him. Can JB run with him, help him heal, slash with him like they used to? 0000008677 00000 n The fact that Josh is listening offers hope that, given what he's seen, he'll take Mom's side and take better care of himself in the future. dear jordan poem the crossover. Symptoms like this suggest that Dad is at high risk for a heart attack or a stroke. He calms down, but suddenly his nose gushes blood. When Mom and Josh are washing dishes, he asks when Dads appointment is. Dad bites into his third donut and, when, out of you what they expect out of their own lives. The Reggie Lewis Wildcats have reached the playoffs thanks to the work of Jordan Bell. Josh chooses to give her the note for his brother and takes the rap for cheating. can you help me heal, run with me, slash with me like we used to? Cha c sn phm trong gi hng. She and Coach try to control Dad. Suduiko, Aaron ed. Josh isnt a clich; he truly seems to be a living, breathing boy who experiences real feelings of despair, triumph, pride, jealousy, and confusion. As the family drives to the game, Josh sits in the back with, who has them. So I knew that the book would be told from the vantage point of a boy. v4Hc\ vNWzH`V8tWmQo1tpx5$k;#N#iZ4u&p4$l-&cH hmPw&][H6+^a4e 4)%iixYhRqvQ(9hSha?(_? ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How does the structure of the poem convey the speaker's message? 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" . He says it all started with one synonym for "beautiful," in this passage from The Crossover: "Oh my goodness, what a word, Amy," said Alexander. At one point, Josh begs his Dad to intervene and talk to JB, to which he replies, Filthy, if some girl done locked up JB, hes going to jail. (21) $1.99. Mom then sighs that they are done, and Josh asks what the consequences are. Instant PDF downloads. Childrens Literature, Briefly(6th ed.). In a letter to JB, written in two columns that can be read together or separately, Josh says that without his brother, he's empty. He turns out the light to go to sleep and hears his brother say Thanks.. Zip. Before the three-on-three, Josh challenges Dad to a quick one-on-one. Josh tells her hes busy, and she says she will see them at the rec center. In the locker room. At lunch, Coach comes over to where Vondie and Josh are and gives Josh a lecture about making up with his brother. Change). Josh is studying by himself. However, I will tell you this. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. When Dad holds his chest, it's a signal that he's not okay and he's likely lying to Josh. a principal. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. The team thanks JB profusely for getting them to the championship. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. And for the first time in my lifeI don't want to be. Though Miss Sweet Tea didn't intend to pull the boys apart, she now feels compelled to do so since her loyalty lies with JB and not at all with Josh. The Crossover is flying off library shelves like a half-court sinker. All rights reserved. This belief helps me to experience family dynamics and conflicts both similar and different to my own. His eyes shut. They are like "two stars / stealing sun" and "like two brothers / burning up. JB and I look outthe windowat the exact momentwe pass by the malland I know exactlywhat JB wants.Dad, can we stop at that sneaker storein the mall?Yeah, Dad, can we?