I recently finished reading The Crossover, the graphic novel by Kwame Alexander. I was curious to see how it compared to the verse novel and original version of The Crossover. I was pleasantly surprised.
When I first read The Crossover in library school, I thought it was great. I learned to love and enjoy verse novels where I previously didn’t enjoy poetry much outside of children’s poetry. Verse novels tell a story in verse or poetry form. Some use more rhyming patterns while others are more free verse.
Kwame Alexander uses some rhyming, some free verse, and lots of onomatopoeia. This holds true for both the graphic novel and traditional verse novel. The poetry and story are the same in both versions, so it really comes down to reader preference.
The graphic novel is illustrated, although not in storyboard format with boxes separating different scenes and conversations. The original is not illustrated but is shorter in regard to number of pages.
I personally would say I preferred the original, but I think that might stem from knowing the story line the second time through. However, the graphic novel adds visuals that only enhance the story. The illustrations may also appeal to more reluctant readers.
So, who should read this book? Everyone, but really anyone who likes basketball or verse poetry. Someone feeling adventurous and wanting to try verse poetry for the first time. Middle grade readers would also enjoy either version of the book.
Amber Wessies’ reviews reflect her personal opinions and not necessarily those of the library or university.
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