The Crossover (Spanish), written by Kwame Alexander, reviewed by Amanda Davies

Summary: Like the version in English, this Spanish version of The Crossover follows the lives of Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan as they play basketball, navigate first crushes and learn about what it means to be a family. Told in creative, vivid, and often playful poetry, the boys' experiences come to life on the page. While they've always been best friends, Josh and Jordan have to figure out how to maintain their friendship and connection in the face of challenges. Herrera's translation remains true to the original and captures the intensity and beauty of the story.

Straight Talk for Librarians: The Spanish language version of The Crossover is a great addition to any school library both for students whose first language is English and for students who are learning Spanish. In addition to the benefit of providing a book in a student's first language for the pure pleasure of it, English learners could use the English version to compare the use of vocabulary and word choice. Similarly, students learning Spanish or Spanish language teachers could use the book to look for the ways that language is manipulated similarly and differently in each language. Because the book is written in poetry and many of the poems can stand on their own, Spanish teachers or English Language teachers could use a poem or two in a lesson to enable students to identify similarities and differences. In addition to its value as a powerful story, the Spanish language version of the Crossover provides many opportunities for curricular connections.