The Crossover is a story of basketball, sibling relationships, the shift from child to adolescent, and the importance of family. Josh and his identical twin brother, Jordan, are basketball stars on their middle school basketball team. They've learned from the best-- their dad played professional ball in the European leagues, and he has been coaching them since they were old enough to bounce a ball. Josh tells his story through free-verse poetry--at times introspective, but often in a loud, finger-popping, rhythmic rap. He describes his moves on the basketball court, the rhythm of a game, and the good-natured ribbing between siblings who are best friends. He also describes worries and frustrations - about growing up, about changes that occur and make the dynamics of your family relationships different, and about what's right and wrong-- good and bad. 
 This book was recommended by members of the 2015 Mock Newbery group-- I had not heard of it prior to that. I'm so glad I read it. It is a fast-moving, powerfully-written book that will appeal to kids. It has elements that would drawn in even the most reluctant of readers, but it will still challenge and delight those who love to read. The Crossover is an amazing read, and it is already moving through my class of readers at a quick pace!