n a short paragraph, explain who you believe Kwame Alexander’s target audience for The Crossover is. Do you think the style of the novel appeals to his target audience? Why or why not? Use one detail from the interview as well as one piece of text evidence from the “Warm-Up” or “First Quarter” sections of the novel to support your answer. (4 points)
I believe Kwame Alexander's target audience for The Crossover is primarily young adolescent readers, particularly those who are interested in sports and poetry. In an interview, Alexander mentioned that he wrote the book with his own teenage sons in mind, and he wanted to capture their attention with a fast-paced, dynamic storytelling style. Furthermore, the "Warm-Up" section of the novel immediately grabs the reader's attention with an engaging and rhythmical poem, setting the tone for the rest of the book. For example, in the text, Alexander writes, "When I look at dad / I see a basketball genius / He’s short and chubby / Like a stack of pancakes." This use of vivid and relatable imagery appeals directly to the target audience, as it introduces the strong bond between a father and son through a creative and energetic lens. Overall, the style of the novel, blending poetry and sports, is likely to resonate with young readers who can connect to the themes and experiences portrayed in the book.
