Poet writes slam-dunking kids' novel

The video discusses 'The Crossover,' a novel in verse by Kwame Alexander, which combines basketball and poetry to engage young readers, especially boys. The book addresses themes of family, race, and adolescence, and uses diverse poetic forms to appeal to a wide audience. Alexander's mission is to make reading relatable and enjoyable for all children, using sports as a hook and poetry as a bridge to deeper literary appreciation.

What is the primary reason Kwame Alexander's book 'The Crossover' faced initial rejection?

• It was too lengthy for young readers.

• It was written in a foreign language.

• It combined sports with poetry, which was seen as unconventional.

• It lacked a strong central character.

Which of the following themes is NOT prominently explored in 'The Crossover'?

• Sibling rivalry

• The impact of technology on youth

• Subtle racial influences

• Family dynamics

How does the mother in 'The Crossover' advise her son regarding public behavior?

• To always be cheerful and outgoing

• To be competitive and assertive

• To avoid showing real anger in public

• To ignore societal expectations

What is one of the poetic forms used in 'The Crossover' to engage young readers?

• Epic

• Sonnet

• Limerick

• Haiku

Why does Kwame Alexander use a variety of poetic forms in 'The Crossover'?

• To help kids find a form they can relate to and mimic

• To confuse the readers

• To focus solely on traditional poetry

• To make the book longer