In 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 that Kwame Alexander's target audience for The Crossover is young adult readers, particularly middle-grade and early high school students. The style of the novel definitely appeals to this audience as it incorporates basketball and uses a mix of poetry and prose to tell the story, making it engaging and accessible. In an interview, Alexander mentions, "it was designed to be a book to grab reluctant readers and reluctant poets." This statement suggests that he intended to target young readers who may not typically be drawn to reading or poetry. Additionally, in the "Warm-Up" section of the novel, the narrator, Josh, describes his love for the game of basketball and how it is a part of his family's daily life. This text evidence immediately establishes a connection with young readers who enjoy sports or have similar familial dynamics, further emphasizing the target audience and the appeal of the novel's style.
