About This Book
This graphic novel adaptation of Kwame Alexander's Newbery Medal-winning verse novel follows twin brothers Josh and Jordan Bell, basketball stars who are inseparable on the court. Guided by their former professional basketball player father, they navigate a pivotal season where sibling rivalry, first crushes, and profound family challenges test their bond and redefine their world. The book explores themes of identity, grief, and resilience through dynamic illustrations and rhythmic text, making it accessible and engaging for middle-grade readers.
With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. 'Cuz tonight I'm delivering,' raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood - he's got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it's all on the line.See the Bell family in a whole new light through Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic illustrations as the brothers' winning season unfolds, and the world as they know it begins to change.
Concepts
Love & FamilyFriendship & LoyaltySelf-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceSadness & GriefAnger & FrustrationTeamwork & CollaborationCreativity & ImaginationFreedom & IndependenceJustice & FairnessEmpathy & KindnessGrowing UpSibling RivalryDeath of a Loved OneFamily IllnessMaking FriendsSports
Discussion Prompts
1
How do Josh's 'mad beats' help him express himself and deal with challenges?
2
What are some of the ways Josh and Jordan's relationship changes throughout the story?
3
How does the graphic novel format enhance the story compared to a traditional book?
4
What lessons do the brothers learn about teamwork and family?
5
How do the characters cope with difficult emotions and changes in their lives?
External Reviews
Google Books
5/5 (1 ratings)
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