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.
As part of this discussion, ask a question or make a comment about one other student's answer. Do you agree with their answer? Why or why not?
I believe Kwame Alexander's target audience for The Crossover is middle school students, particularly those who have an interest in basketball or sports in general. The style of the novel appeals to his target audience because it is written in free verse, which provides a unique and engaging reading experience. In an interview, Alexander states that he wanted to create a book that would reach reluctant readers, and the use of free verse makes the text more accessible and less intimidating for young readers. Additionally, in the "Warm-Up" section of the novel, the main character, Josh, describes his love for basketball in a very relatable and enthusiastic way. For example, he says, "Basketball is life / the rest is just details." This text evidence shows that the novel speaks directly to basketball enthusiasts, making it appealing to the target audience.
One possible comment on another student's answer could be:
I agree with your analysis that Kwame Alexander's target audience for The Crossover is middle school students interested in sports, particularly basketball. However, I would argue that the style of the novel also appeals to a wider audience beyond just sports fans. The use of free verse not only makes the text more accessible for reluctant readers but also adds a lyrical and poetic quality that can be enjoyed by anyone. Additionally, the themes of family, friendship, and growing up explored in the novel resonate with readers of different backgrounds and interests.