he asks. Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and theNew York Timesbestselling author. 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) . Kwame believes that poetry can change the world and he uses it to inspire and empower young people around the world. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. With this reading, it's easier to see that both boys are currently nursing hurt feelings and likely don't want to be fighting, but don't know how to bridge the gap. Why do you think Josh is seemingly more upset about missing the game than his dads health? together. VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region. This family creates a strong foundation for the boys to continuously go back to as they seek to find their way through the muck of adolescence. Shay was envious of Mahira because Edward was giving her way more attention than he had ever given to Shay. The students at Rutland Town School had some questions for the author. JB and Josh are estranged, but Dads making them play a three-on-three tomorrow at the rec center. atonement in the Crossover using the poem "Dear Jordan" . forever. The Crossover is the story of twins but seventh grader Devon Kibbey noticed that readers get the point of view of only one brother. In other words, just as the boys have choices in regards to their basketball success, they also have the choice to make up or continue their feud. 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. Need Help with this Assignment? Josh and, in a hospital and now, Dad hates doctors. The title of this book (The Crossover) is an important phrase and idea throughout the book. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 0000003750 00000 n For Josh, having to sit out and watch his team struggle shows him first how hard they've worked--Vondie and JB are still doing reasonably well--but it also shows Josh what an integral part of the team he was and with this, helps reaffirm his desire to get back on the court. Then, everything in his world comes crashing down. JB and his attacker stare at each other. 10. It began with this 12-year-old-boy, who came to be known as Filthy McNasty. hb```b``Uf`c`] B@16%h0 > `]!hP;"eqb1ij5,`F0_.X63KhXdt@D&HBDPPI0 a`X," B 2&a Josh has trouble separating the two. 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. On page 185, Coach shares with Josh that he got into a fight with his brother in high school and now they are estranged. Dad passes to Josh, Josh passes to, use it in another sentence, he wonders why pulchritudinous Miss Sweet Tea is talking to, Walking Home. Essay Topics. Other of his many books (hes written 35!) Mom says its not about his grades: its about how he behaves going forward. She asks him sternly if hes lost his mind, and she says boys who dont have self-control end up behind bars. 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. Josh's assessment that Vondie's girlfriend (who he appears to think little of) is better than being single speaks to Josh's intense desire to join his friends in reaching this milestone. He wants Dad to talk to Mom because he feels like he needs to be in the playoffs and is letting his teammates down. Kwame is the Founding Editor of Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt that aims to Change the World One Word at a Time. This again shows how Dad prioritizes basketball over his health. He even uses the word churlish to describe himself. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. JB asks.And even though I never opened my mouth,I say, Thanks,becauseit is. He adds that Mom said Josh could play if they make it to the championship game. Josh was estranged from himself when he threw the ball at JB. Choose only one theme and only one poem. Showing this tiny bit of positive regard suggests that JB is now willing to listen to Josh and rebuild their relationship. Dad is joking and telling stories about Italy. He thinks that when he threw the ball at, day of school before winter break, Mom works late so Dad picks up Josh and, Dad agrees and hits Josh in the chest with the ball--Josh was distracted while watching, still. She was a VPR contributor from 2006 to 2020. I believe this book is a strong representation of cultural authenticity. Jordan insists that everyone call him JB. Or what is his goal? 0000013043 00000 n on tell the reader about what she values and what her priorities are? Basketball is extremely important to them, and they both want to play professionally someday. Dad's bloody nose is another red flag that his health isn't as good as it should be. Josh is concerned, asking about Moms advice to take it easy. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Alexander says he came across the name while working on the story. Missing the game is similar to not attending to his father. Zip. As an example, he says that if, them from the restaurant. . She said she likes me a lot, I tell him.You mean she likes me a lot? Identical twinsare no different from everyone else,except we look andsometimes soundexactly alike. JB is playing like Superman, and he gets the team to the championship with his lightning plays. Josh has a plan: he's going to talk to. Disclaimer: We are a custom writing service that provides customized for assistance purposes only. dear jordan poem the crossover. And Iwonder what's in the notes. In the Old, the people of Israel cross the Jordan. 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. How does he apologize to his twin brother for being churlish and almost breaking his nose? Josh's stay in the hospital while caring for his sick father, his father's eventual demise further made him lonely and he frantically sought to repair the relationship. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Sons of basketball legend Chuck Da Man Bell, basketball is in their blood. What is the meaning of "his only fully developed exposition in 1941 of the strategic threat"? Teachers and parents! Josh does not know how he went from annoyed to grumpy to churlish. Josh asks, incredulous, about the house, Mom, him, and JB. uses it in a sentence and says that in Mom and Dad's closet, he and, all the teasing dies down, the game begins. Dad's championship ring.Between the bouncingand sobbing, I whisper, Why? If you could take one poem out of The Crossover to represent one of the themes in the book, which one would it be and why?Choose only one theme and only one poem.Use specific, quoted evidence from the poem to explore and illustrate your ideas. 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. . One of those actions leads Josh to write an apology letter to his brother. Teachers and parents! Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. 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. The Crossover Summary The narrator of the novel (which is told in verse) is Josh Bell, an 8th-grade boy. 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. 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. The racially segregated Navy base had dangerous and unfair working, For this month's Dorothy's List, seventh graders at Green Mountain Union in Chester have been reading the novel Unfriended by New York author Rachel, Subscribe To 'The Frequency,' Our Daily Morning Newsletter, Dorothy's List: 'The Scandalous Sisterhood Of Prickwillow Place'. Published by on October 25, 2020. The score is tied and clock ticks as. 0000007293 00000 n Come on, tell me. Amy is an award winning journalist who has worked in print and radio in Vermont since 1991. In this poem, Josh makes efforts to repair the cracked friendship between him and his brother. 10. And, eventually after maybe a draft of it I knew that I wanted him to have a twin brother. / But you cant / drop the ball (146). The inside of Mom and Dad's bedroom closet. How is this condition highlighted in the narrative? We put their questions a to Kwame Alexander. Josh and JB generally get along; but they have very different personalities. Even though he is. they win the championship trophy. (including. They have the added bonus of helping people realize that he isn't, Mom always makes Dad sit at the very top of the bleachers during Josh and. This week, Josh makes the honor roll, watches the team win Game Nine, eats lunch alone, walks home alone, tries to atone day and night, sits next to JB at dinner (JB moves), does JBs chores (JB says nothing), and says hes sorry (JB doesnt listen). Dad replies sadly that he let them down, and Josh asks what he should do. a7[6se7U>rcf[,+*@j3(9 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. 0000001569 00000 n You're twins, not the same person.But that doesn't mean he has to stop loving me. His parents continue to press upon him the value of working hard and the importance of education. 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. I'm not paying attentionto anything he's sayingor to the dummy. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. This book presents a realistic view of family life; the constant cycle of joys and hurdles. Coach, Dad, and the crowd all scream for Josh to pass the ball. It's, The boys each ask how the other is and then, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop makes the point that in multicultural literature, a characters humanity should come through. 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. At dinner Josh sits next to. game against Olive Branch Junior High, and that the team seemed unhurt by Josh's absence. The only caution I have for this book is making sure it is not overly analyzed. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. 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! "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." The Crossover Characters Next Josh Josh Josh is the twelve-year-old protagonist of the novel. And so, I was like, 'I gotta use this word.' 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. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. 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. And for the first time in my lifeI don't want to be. If you could take one poem out of The Crossover to represent one of the themes in the book, which one would it be and why? He almost dunks, but an elbow comes up and fouls him to the floor. He writes for children of all ages. Tomorrow Is the Last Day of School Before Christmas Vacation. I would say there are some gender stereotypes present in the book. As the family drives to the game, Josh sits in the back with, who has them. The words and rhythmic flow of these words on the page depict Joshs inner thoughts; his flow on the court. Vondie has a girlfriend now, too. It began with Josh. The Crossoveris a wonderful mentor text for adolescent writers. View The_Crossover__Notes__4.2.21.docx from ENGLISH 606 at Dulles H S. The Crossover Notes: Second & Third Quarter Second Quarter Second Quarter begins with two back-to-back poems titled . You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. The fact that Josh was driven to (unintentional) violence at all speaks to the intensity of his feelings, which are made even more intense by the fact that Josh is entering puberty and starting to grow up. 0000016479 00000 n This also offers hope that, if Josh can catch the ball next time, he might be able to make things better. dear jordan poem the crossover Mobile: 07904191715 Office Number: 020 37124640 Email :smax3ddesignstudio@gmail.com berkshire pigs for sale in georgia You know, that would be a high school novel, or a young adult novel, or an adult novel for that matter. Suduiko, Aaron ed. 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. He and JB lock eyes; theres that seeing-a-ghost sensation again. There is so much to unpack in this wonderfully written book that it would be easy to stop and analyze every single page; the figurative language, the formatting, the authors message. They were missing Josh Filthy McNasty Bell, though, who is this papers Most Valuable Player. We begin with the poems of John Agard. We see this form emerge in Joshs thoughts about his game. When Josh tells the reader about Mom's dislike of standards and giving JB the vocabulary words, Josh demonstrates his growing maturity and that he cares for others. Kwame Alexander: No, its not autobiography. Copyright 2014 by Kwame Alexander. Write an essay for ONE of the following topics: Essay Topic 1. Fights between friends usually end in a cutting off of the relationship as opposed to engaging in healthy conflict to find a resolution. 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. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Theyre not alone. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Twelve year old Josh Bell is a basketball phenom just like his identical twin brother JB. 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. Exploration of this text can be a gateway into students writing. 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]). 0000007127 00000 n In this activity, they will complete a Poem Analysis & Compare/Contrast Paired Text Activity. She and Dad did not teach him to be churlish, and she does not know why hes been like this. However, I will tell you this. Males are mostly depicted in the role of sports hero; strong, popular and at the center of society. His eyes shut. Whether youre looking for The Tell-Tale Heart, The Hate U Give, The Gettysburg Address, or current science articles and simulations, Actively Learn is the free go-to source to help you guide your students' growth in critical thinking all year. What thoughts and emotions does Josh express in "Dear Jordan"? Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. The story is told from Joshs point of view. becauseI'm watching Jordan pass notesto Miss Sweet Tea. 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. He tells a joke and, finally, they all laugh. 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. Tomorrow is the Last Day of School Before Christmas Vacation, Usually, Josh helps JB study, but JBs been studying alone lately. He asks if Josh and, On Christmas Eve. Mahira showed him around the museum, where she and Jordan used to meet. Complete your free account to request a guide. Mom tells Jordan she wants to meet his new friend; Dad chimes in that they want to meet the girl who took JB away. Coach isn't worried; he starts blasting his favorite dance music. And so the next poem starts with a definition: Seventh grader Matthew Goulette wonders where Alexanders ideas for The Crossover came from. 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. After two hours, Mom kicks the relatives out and after they leave, Dad calls. The crossover is Joshs signature move, something his Dad taught him. I don't know Like Dad, Mom is able to take the long view and believe that this is a temporary phase in her sons' lives. 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. The boys know theyre getting books like they always do for Christmas, but Dad tells them hes proud of how theyve done in school so they can pick out a gift and hell get it for them. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. 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. How Do You Spell Trouble? The characters listen to the same music as they do, covet the same shoes, use the same slang. Get this assignment written for you by Expert Writers in this subject. My mom was a school principal My dad played basketball before I was born. Copyright 2014 by Kwame Alexander. She is at the house for dinner and Josh is surprised to hear JB asking for seconds of the healthy food. Theyre having a fantastic time, and everyone there is watching. Dad is heading for the hoop when he stops short, screams, clutches his chest, and drops the ball. Now lets go get some doughnuts (pg 92). First he would use the word in a poem, then he would write a second poem to define the word. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. This suggests that the loneliness was easier to deal with when Josh wasn't the one enforcing it. This sets an example that his health isn't important, which puts Josh and JB at risk. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. But Im not there. Josh does not know if JB read his letter, but on the bus, he made a joke about Vondies forehead being a five-head and he could feel JB laughing a little. On page 26, he says, JB likes to taunt and trash talk during games like Dad used to do when he played. Josh's exasperation with JB then suggests that he hasn't made this leap yet, even as he recognizes that diet is a good way to control Dad's high blood pressure. (LogOut/ No practice to get ready. Josh ruefully says he will talk to Mom since he can see how much it means to Dad, but he adds that she is worried about him. First, his churlish and aggressive behavior toward his twin has almost severed their relationship. Do depictions of all cultures avoid oversimplification or offer genuine insights? 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. 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. trailer <<35AB4B5BD4F54B6294CFA91B5522B120>]/Prev 252765>> startxref 0 %%EOF 61 0 obj <>stream The fact that Dad does his best to correct himself and call Josh what he wants to be called shows that Dad is happy to show Josh the same kind of understanding that he showed JB when he asked him to invite Miss Sweet Tea for dinner. Vondie passes the ball to Josh and Josh passes to. When JB echoes, Yeah, Dad, can we? (189), the word we has never sounded so sweet to Josh. Josh narrates another play-by-play. Josh is making moves and dribbling; Dad gets the ball, winks, dips, and sweats. Mom then sighs that they are done, and Josh asks what the consequences are. 3. Josh's concern and desire to go to Dad's doctor's appointment show that he's continuing to grow up and become more interested in other people aside from himself. Mom asks how they met and JB is full of details, explaining how she came into the lunchroom, how he learned she played basketball, and how he told Vondie she was pulchritudinous. Josh isnt a clich; he truly seems to be a living, breathing boy who experiences real feelings of despair, triumph, pride, jealousy, and confusion. June 22, 2022; Posted by . 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. Um, so yeah. The apology poem that author Kwame Alexander wrote from Josh to JB in The Crossover is called "Dear Jordan." It's written in two columns and the author says it can actually be read several different ways: top to bottom, left to right or diagonally. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. They are like "two stars / stealing sun" and "like two brothers / burning up. 0000028950 00000 n Second, Alexander increases the sense of foreboding when it comes to Chuck (JBs seeing-a-ghost expression is telling). 0000039010 00000 n Mom's phone rings and she shrieks. Kwame regularly speaks at conferences and universities all over the world. 6yOk5qTo1?WIo(l _MR-a`3+"1@ His nosebleed and his vomiting are finally enough to get him to let Crystal make him a doctors appointment, but, as the reader will see, it is too little, too late. It would have been great to see more of Alexiss perspective in the story to clarify. 1162410. Given that Dad's dad died in the hospital of hypertension, it's understandable that Dad is unwilling to seek help out of fear. 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. His Dad has a heart attack and slips into a coma. %%EOF "Filthy McNasty" is described as being what mythical creature in the poem by the same name? 0000012380 00000 n Devon, good question. First Quarter Quotes To get ready for the season, I went to three summer camps. Dad wakes up. JB comes running out of the bathroom.What'd she say, Josh? Josh hears Dad ask if he feels better and opens his eyes. As his relationship unravels with his brother, he finds himself at odds more and more with his parents. He also co-founded LEAP for Ghana, an International Literacy Program. Family relationships are the epicenter of this novel. He was only 39 and might have had a chance if he had seen a doctor sooner. Her first job in professional radio was at WVMX in Stowe, where she worked as News Director and co-host of The Morning Show. Mom and Dad are silent and serious in the front. 0000016558 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. Dad's message does much the same thing, though it seems much more in character for Dad. His voice is as loud as thunder. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Dad is yelling from the stands and Mom is trying to calm him down. I mean, because basketball is poetry in motion, and so I thought lets use verse. At 7:45, she asks about the score and how. While it's unclear if Coach is also a twin, his advice still shows that he understands the power of the sibling relationship to either move mountains or destroy everything. This is a life lesson that many young readers have a strong reaction to and would welcome the opportunity to discuss in a safe environment to voice their anger, fear and outrage. Doing this will take away students enjoyment of the story further supporting their belief that poetry is uninteresting. And then I knew that there were going to be parents. Want to help more children attend our events in the future? All of this is better than no girlfriend at all, which is what Josh has. 0000021078 00000 n Osborne-Bartucca, Kristen. Dear Jordan. 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 2016, pg 98). Can JB run with him, help him heal, slash with him like they used to? 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. Get this assignment written for you by Expert Writers in this subject. Dad encourages Josh and, the second rebound. In other words, this interest shows that Josh recognizes that the doctor isn't bad, and that unlike Dad he knows he should trust the doctor/. 0000006505 00000 n 1. So, certainly there are some things from my life that have probably creeped into this book.
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