Josh Character Analysis in The Crossover

Josh is the twelve-year-old protagonist of the novel. He's nearly six feet tall and has a twin, JB. Both are skilled basketball players. Though Josh loves JB and being a twin, he also craves individuality. At the beginning of the novel he achieves this by wearing his hair in locks and reminding the reader several times that he's the only player on the team who can dunk. His love of English and language shines through in his narration, as he often uses vocabulary words from his English homework and some of the novel's poems read like music. Things begin to go downhill for Josh when he loses a bet to JB and JB accidentally cuts off five of Josh's locks instead of one. With this one identity marker gone, Josh feels unmoored and even more importantly, less forgiving towards JB as JB embarks on a romance with a girl Josh calls Miss Sweet Tea. At the same time, Josh starts to notice that Dad isn't in good health. Josh grows progressively angrier as JB spends more and more time with Miss Sweet Tea, and this culminates in Josh deciding to act alone during a game. However, Josh's attempt is unsuccessful and his pass to JB is so hard and violent, he makes JB's nose bleed. During Josh's weeks of forced solitude after this, he remains angry and unmoored, and he becomes progressively more worried about Dad's health. When Dad finally ends up in the hospital, Josh's anger hits a peak: he believes that Dad is keeping him from playing in the championship game. Though Dad is still in the hospital when the championship game rolls around, Josh chooses to take Dad's permission to play in the game and isn't around when Dad dies. Following Dad's death, JB gives Josh Dad's championship ring, which Dad always told the boys they could wear when they became "Da Man," which was his nickname. Though this suggests that Josh becomes “Da Man” after Dad's death, Josh's discomfort with receiving the ring speaks to his new understanding of Dad as a person who didn't properly care for his health.

Josh Quotes in The Crossover

The The Crossover quotes below are all either spoken by Josh or refer to Josh. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

But, as I got older
and started getting game,
the name took on a new meaning.
And even though I wasn't into
all that jazz,
every time I'd score,
rebound,
or steal a ball,
Dad would jump up
smiling and screamin',
That's my boy out there.
Keep it funky, Filthy!

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad

Page Number and Citation: 8-9

Explanation and Analysis:

Josh explains how he eventually came to enjoy his nickname, Filthy McNasty. He didn't like it at first, since kids made fun of him for it, but Dad's praise using the name helped him learn to like it. This shows the immense power that Dad has over his sons. He's a powerful role model for them, and the things that he likes can, with enough repetition and insistence, become the things that his sons like. This also speaks to the ways that Josh is currently working on shaping his identity. As a pre-teen, Josh is pulling from all sorts of Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accu

1. ever since I watched
the clip of Dad
posterizing
that seven-foot Croatian center
on ESPN's Best Dunks Ever;
soaring through the air—his
long twisted hair like wings
carrying him
high above
the rim—I knew
one day
I'd need
my own wings
to fly.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad

Related Symbols: Locks/Wings

Page Number and Citation: 14-15

Explanation and Analysis:

Josh tells the reader why he has locks, and that the main reason he wears his hair like this is because Dad used to. This shows that for Josh, emulating Dad's style is a way to emulate Dad's other qualities--in this case, his ability to dunk. Josh later shares that he's the only kid on his team who can already dunk, which suggests that his attempts to align himself with Dad are at this point successful. Specifically, Josh's language when he talks about one day needing his own wings shows that he understands that as he gets older, he'll eventually Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt

To get ready for the season, I went
to three summer camps. JB only went to
one. Said he didn't want to miss Bible school.

What does he think, I'm stupid? Ever since
Kim Bazemore kissed him in Sunday school,
he's been acting all religious,

thinking less and less about
basketball, and more and more about
GIRLS.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), JB

Page Number and Citation: 23

Explanation and Analysis:

Josh introduces the reader to the ways that he and JB are beginning to separate from each other. It's important to recognize that, though Josh sets the precedent that he and JB are so close as to be almost the same person, it doesn't appear that this is true in practice. The fact that the boys were allowed and encouraged to attend different summer activities suggests that Mom and Dad understand that the boys are different and have different interests, and that they will encourage them to explore those. Josh's sense of being insulted by JB's behavior, however, indicates that Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium

That boy is special, and it doesn't hurt
that Chuck "Da Man" Bell is his father.
And mine, too.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), JB, Dad

Page Number and Citation: 27

Explanation and Analysis:

During one of Josh's play-by-plays, he praises JB's skills on the court and links them specifically to the fact that Dad is who he is. Dad is a famous former basketball player and at a number of points, he and Josh imply that the boys' natural aptitude for the game is something they inherited from him. In this situation in particular, notice that Josh is quick to note that both he and JB are Dad's sons, thereby reaffirming their connection to each other for the reader. With this, he shows the reader again that he's not yet willing to accept Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt

And while Dad is telling us another story
for the hundredth time, Mom removes the salt
from the table and JB goes to the buffet.
He brings back three packages
of duck sauce and a cup of wonton soup
and hands them all to me.
Dad pauses, and Mom looks at JB.
That was random, she says.
What, isn't that what you wanted, Filthy? JB asks.
And even though I never opened my mouth,
I say, Thanks,
because
it is.

Related Characters: Mom (speaker), JB (speaker), Josh (speaker), Dad

Page Number and Citation: 42

Explanation and Analysis:

While the family is eating at a Chinese restaurant, JB gets Josh food without asking and Mom takes the salt off the table. Though Mom thinks that JB's behavior is strange, Josh and JB don't agree with her; for them, it's proof that because they're twins, they're more connected and in tune with each other than different-age siblings are. Given that this is also taking place not long after JB cut Josh's locks, his choice to do something nice for his brother suggests that the two are beginning to make up. Mom's removal of the salt, on the other hand, Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Volupta

And so each time
I count the locks
of hair
beneath my pillow
I end up with thirty-seven
plus one tear,
which never
adds up.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker)

Related Symbols: Locks/Wings

Page Number and Citation: 43

Explanation and Analysis:

Every night, Josh mourns the loss of his locks. Josh's desire to count his locks and make them add up in a logical, mathematical way speaks to the way that he currently looks at identity and how it's formed. As far as he's concerned, his identity is made up of building blocks that he borrows from culture and from people around him, and all those elements create a cohesive whole. The fact that Josh doesn't feel as though he adds up without his locks speaks to the degree to which Josh relied on them and specifically, the locks' connection with Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eve

As in: I wonder why my dad
never had surgery
on his patellar tendinitis.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad

Page Number and Citation: 49

Explanation and Analysis:

After Josh and JB discover that Dad wasn't able to play for the Los Angeles Lakers because he refused to get surgery on his patellar tendinitis, Josh is confused as to why Dad made this choice. Patellar tendinitis is an overuse injury, which first suggests that Dad's insistence that the boys practice hard and practice well has limits. It implies that Dad's constant practice actually had negative effects on his body and, eventually, got to the point where Dad was unable to play the game anymore. However, it's also telling that Dad chose not to have surgery. The fact that Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus temp

and even though I don't plan it,
I let him win
and get ready to practice
harder.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Vondie, Coach

Page Number and Citation: 57

Explanation and Analysis:

One afternoon, Coach says that the player who finishes wind sprints first doesn't have to participate in practice. Josh loses on purpose so that he can continue to practice. This choice illustrates how wholeheartedly Josh accepts Dad's insistence on practice. Though Josh certainly wants to be the best--his narration throughout the novel fixates on his performance and how good it is relative to others--he shows here that he understands that at times, it's preferable to not be the best. Not winning means in this case that Josh gets more experience, which he knows is important if he wants to go Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Oc

As in: Hypertension
can affect all types of people,
but you have a higher risk
if someone in your family
has had the disease.

As in: I think
my grandfather
died of hypertension?

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad, Grandfather/Dad's Dad

Page Number and Citation: 76

Explanation and Analysis:

After Josh overhears Mom and Dad fighting about Dad's refusal to see a doctor about his hypertension, Josh defines the word and explains that the disease can be hereditary. With this, Josh is forced to confront the possibility that Dad hasn't just passed his skill and aptitude for basketball on to his sons; he may have also passed on what can be a deadly disease. The possibility that Josh's grandfather died of hypertension reinforces this danger, as it indicates that Dad's struggle with hypertension is something that he inherited from his dad. The fact that Josh is learning this information Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi nece

I'm not paying attention
to anything he's saying
or to the dummy

because
I'm watching Jordan pass notes
to Miss Sweet Tea. And I
wonder what's in the notes.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Miss Sweet Tea/Alexis, JB

Page Number and Citation: 84

Explanation and Analysis:

During a gym class that focuses on CPR, Josh jealously watches JB and Miss Sweet Tea pass notes. Given Josh's love of school and his desire to learn, it's telling that he's so intent on watching JB and Miss Sweet Tea. This then speaks to the magnitude of his jealousy, as it's keeping him from fully considering the very important information that the teacher is trying to pass on. Further, the fact that JB and Miss Sweet Tea are communicating using notes shows them effectively using Josh's preferred subject, English, to exclude him. Just as the novel itself reads as Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident

On the way home
Dad asks if we should stop
at Pollard's.
I tell him I'm not hungry,
plus I have a lot of homework,
even though
I skipped lunch today
and finished my homework
during halftime.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad, Mom

Page Number and Citation: 99

Explanation and Analysis:

The day after Mom tells Josh that he shouldn't let Dad take him to Krispy Kreme or Pollard's anymore, Josh lies to Dad about not being hungry. In spite of the anger and victimization that Josh felt when Mom talked to Josh about the need to eat healthier, Josh's choice to lie to Dad shows that he takes Mom's conversation very seriously. In other words, he recognizes that Dad's health isn't good, and that food is one of the best ways for Dad to control his high blood pressure if he's not willing to go to the doctor. With this, Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Prov

Identical twins
are no different
from everyone else,
except we look and
sometimes sound
exactly alike.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), JB, Miss Sweet Tea/Alexis

Page Number and Citation: 105

Explanation and Analysis:

When Miss Sweet Tea calls, JB asks Josh to take the phone and speak to her as though Josh is JB. Josh agrees, and tells the reader that identical twins can be more alike than people give them credit for. This moment allows Josh to feel a moment of camaraderie with JB, as Josh also nurses a secret crush on Miss Sweet Tea. In this situation then, Josh is able to use the fact that they're identical twins to get a taste of what he's missing in terms of romance. However, it's also important to keep in mind that JB's Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae vo

JB comes running out of the bathroom.
What'd she say, Josh? Come on, tell me.

She said she likes me a lot, I tell him.
You mean she likes me a lot? he asks.

Yeah...
that's what I meant.

Related Characters: JB (speaker), Josh (speaker), Miss Sweet Tea/Alexis

Page Number and Citation: 109

Explanation and Analysis:

After Josh ends the phone call with Miss Sweet Tea in which he pretended to be JB, he admits that Miss Sweet Tea likes him a lot. The fact that Josh and JB are identical twins and that JB is able to make this conversation work to his advantage allows Josh to cover up this misstep to a degree. For Josh and the reader, however, it's clear that Josh actually meant what he said and does indeed have a crush on Miss Sweet Tea as well. JB's unwillingness or inability to empathize with his brother helps to build Josh's sense Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus.

Ever seen an eagle soar?
So high, so fly.
Me and my wings are--
and that's when I remember:
MY. WINGS. ARE. GONE.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker)

Related Symbols: Locks/Wings

Page Number and Citation: 131

Explanation and Analysis:

When Josh tries to dunk during a game, he suddenly remembers that his "wings"--his locks-- are gone. Because Josh sees his locks as being his most powerful connection to Dad and to Dad's skill on the basketball court, he feels as though he's unable to perform like he once could. First, this speaks to how much importance JB places on his locks as the core element of his identity. He feels as though he's barely even the same person now that he doesn't have his locks. This also illustrates how Josh links his abilities on the court only to Dad Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus

You're twins, not the same person.
But that doesn't mean he has to stop loving me.

Related Characters: Mom (speaker), Josh (speaker), Miss Sweet Tea/Alexis, JB

Page Number and Citation: 140

Explanation and Analysis:

Following Josh's violent pass to JB that nearly breaks JB's nose, Mom scolds Josh and reminds him that he and JB are different people. This shows that as much as Josh speaks as though he and JB are, for all intents and purposes, the same person or at least extremely connected, Mom understands that it can be dangerous for Josh to tie his identity so fully to his brother. She understands that the boys won't always be able to rely so fully on each other, and it's important for Josh to come to terms with who he is as an Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus

I prefer to be called Josh, Dad.
Not Filthy.

Oh, really, Filthy? he laughs.
I'm serious, Dad--please don't call me
that name anymore.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 166

Explanation and Analysis:

During a conversation between Josh and Dad, Josh asks Dad to call him by his real name instead of his nickname, Filthy McNasty. When Dad laughs at this request, it shows that he's not quite ready to accept Josh's bid for an individual, adult identity. The fact that Josh is asking at all though suggests that despite his desire to remain close with his brother, as he did in childhood, he is ready to begin forging his own identity. At this point, the only way Josh can do this is by controlling the language that others use to speak about Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt.

Like heirloom.
As in: Dad treats his championship ring
like some kind of family heirloom
that we can't wear
until one of us becomes Da Man.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad

Related Symbols: The Championship Ring

Page Number and Citation: 183

Explanation and Analysis:

Josh explains that he's studying for a vocabulary test and makes up clues to help remember the words. This is his clue for the word "heirloom." The way that Dad positions the championship ring for Josh and JB shows that he's well aware of his role as the boys' primary role model. By offering them this tangible token that will someday indicate that they've become like him, he's able to more effectively encourage them to take after him on the court by dedicating themselves to practice and honing their natural talents for the game. However, as Dad's health begins to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asper

JB and I look out
the window
at the exact moment
we pass by the mall
and I know exactly
what JB wants.
Dad, can we stop
at that sneaker store
in the mall?
Yeah, Dad, can we? JB echoes.
And the word we
never sounded
sweeter.

Related Characters: JB (speaker), Josh (speaker), Dad

Page Number and Citation: 189

Explanation and Analysis:

When Dad tells Josh and JB that they can choose a Christmas gift as a reward for their good grades in school, Josh asks to go to the sneaker store knowing that sneakers are what JB loves the most. When Josh does this, he shows that he's learning how to connect with JB now that JB is growing and changing. This one part of JB's identity, his love of sneakers, isn't changing, so it's an easy thing for Josh to try to connect over. JB's use of "we" in his response may be something that Josh fixates on just because Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea

As in: Dad's in a coma
because of a myocardial infarction,
which is the same thing
my grandfather died of.
So what does that mean for me
and JB?

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad, Grandfather/Dad's Dad, JB

Page Number and Citation: 202

Explanation and Analysis:

After Dad ends up in the hospital after a heart attack, Josh begins to realize that because both Dad and Dad's dad suffered from hypertension and Dad's dad died from the disease, he and JB might be at risk. This shows that Josh finally understands that not everything he stands to inherit from Dad is an entirely good thing. While Josh can certainly continue to take pride in his physique and the aptitude for basketball that he inherited from Dad, the possibility that he might also be at risk for a life-threatening disease shows him that Dad's genes aren't unilaterally Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. V

Because the only thing that matters is swish.
Because our backboard is splintered.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad, Mom, JB

Related Symbols: The Backboard

Page Number and Citation: 204

Explanation and Analysis:

Josh gives Mom a list of all the reasons that he's currently angry. In these entries, his mention of the backboard becomes an allusion to Dad. In basketball, the backboard keeps the ball from going out of bounds, and it's often used by players to make baskets. By likening Dad to the backboard of the family, Josh recognizes that Dad was a guiding force in the family. He kept the boys in line, kept them interested in basketball, and made sure that they didn't stray too far. Because of this, Josh fears what will happen if Dad dies, as that Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Qu

On the forty-ninth shot,
I am only slightly aware
that I am moments from fifty.
The only thing that really matters
is that out here
in the driveway
shooting free throws
I feel closer to Dad.

Related Characters: Josh (speaker), Dad

Page Number and Citation: 235

Explanation and Analysis:

After Dad's funeral, Josh goes outside to shoot free throws alone and makes it his goal to meet Dad's record of 50 in a row. This offers hope that even with Dad gone, Josh will still be able to connect with him by playing basketball and remembering how much Dad loved it. Further, the fact that Josh is getting so close to Dad's record suggests that Josh's willingness to work is paying off, as he's following closely in Dad's footsteps as a star player. This sets Josh up to become "Da Man" in the future and give his dad's legacy Dolorem et

You earned it, Filthy, he says,
sliding the ring on my finger.
My heart leaps
into my throat.

Dad's championship ring.
Between the bouncing
and sobbing, I whisper, Why?

I guess you Da Man now, Filthy, JB says.

And for the first time in my life
I don't want to be.

Related Characters: JB (speaker), Josh (speaker), Dad

Related Symbols: The Championship Ring

Page Number and Citation: 236

Explanation and Analysis:

After JB interrupts Josh's solo free throw shots, he gives Josh Dad's championship ring and declares him "Da Man." When Josh says he doesn't want it, it indicates that he no longer thinks of the “Da Man” mystique as an entirely and unquestionably good thing. Instead, Dad's heart attacks and death show Josh that even though Dad was an amazing basketball player and an amazing dad, he also made choices that led ultimately to his death. This complicates Josh's initial reading of Dad, "Da Man," and what it means to take on this honor and follow in Dad's footsteps. It's Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti sol

Josh Character Timeline in The Crossover

The timeline below shows where the character Josh appears in The Crossover. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Dribbling. Josh narrates his own play-by-play as he plays basketball. He expertly dribbles the ball to make... (full context)

Josh Bell. Josh introduces himself to the reader as both Josh Bell and as his nickname,... (full context)

How I Got My Nickname. Josh says he's not a fan of jazz music, but Dad is. One time, when Dad... (full context)

At first. Josh explains that he wasn't sold on the nickname at first, because everyone, including Mom, made... (full context)

Filthy McNasty. Josh refers to himself as a star player and a "MYTHical MANchild," obsessed with practicing so... (full context)

Jordan Bell. Josh's twin brother, Jordan, also plays basketball. Jordan’s other love is betting, which he does all... (full context)

On the way to the game. As the family drives to the game, Josh sits in the back with JB. JB plays with Josh's locks and only stops when... (full context)

Five Reasons I Have Locks. Josh lists the five reasons he has locks, in ascending order of importance. First, his favorite... (full context)

...tells Dad. Mom always makes Dad sit at the very top of the bleachers during Josh and JB's basketball games. She believes that Dad is too confrontational. Dad ignores Mom and... (full context)

Conversation. Josh asks Dad if he misses playing basketball. Dad answers that he misses it like a... (full context)

Dad asks Josh to fetch JB so they can get to practice, but Josh asks about Dad's championship... (full context)

Basketball Rule #1. Josh shares the first rule: in life, one's family is the court and one's heart is... (full context)

JB and I. Josh and JB are identical twins and they're almost thirteen. They're easy to tell apart though;... (full context)

...of Warm-Ups, My Brother Tries to Dunk. JB tries to dunk the ball and fails. Josh laughs, makes fun of JB, and dunks the ball to show off. Dad cheers and... (full context)

The Sportscaster. Josh explains that JB likes to tease and trash talk other players during games, which is... (full context)

Josh's Play-by-Play. As Vondie grabs the ball, the Reggie Lewis Wildcats—Josh's team—are ready to win. They've... (full context)

cross-o-ver. Josh defines a crossover as a basketball move where a player dribbles the ball from one... (full context)

The Show. As Josh narrates, the text grows, shrinks, and moves diagonally across the page. He has the ball... (full context)

...Wildcats are down by seven. Coach isn't worried; he starts blasting his favorite dance music. Josh, JB, and Vondie join in and dance the Cha-Cha Slide. JB gives Josh a look... (full context)

Ode to My Hair. Josh loves his hair. He says he'd love to "enshrine" it, treat it like gold, and... (full context)

...if he gets the ball and doesn't miss the basket, he wants to cut off Josh's hair. Josh agrees to the bet but says that if he wins, JB has to... (full context)

...silent until the ball goes through, right at the last second. The crowd explodes and Josh's head starts to ache. (full context)

In the locker room. After the game, in the locker room, JB cackles and approaches Josh, holding Coach's red scissors. Josh thinks that he loves this game from the bottom of... (full context)

...scissors around. The boys' teammates start chanting "Filthy" over and over again as JB grabs Josh's hair. He doesn't hear his lock hit the ground, but he knows something is wrong... (full context)

ca-lam-i-ty. Josh defines a calamity as an unexpected bad event that often results in injuries. As an... (full context)

...chooses Chinese, even though Mom won't let him eat most of what's on the buffet. Josh knows that he would've chosen Pollard's Chicken and BBQ if Mom hadn't banned them from... (full context)

As Josh fills his plate, JB asks Dad for insight on how they played. Dad says they... (full context)

Missing. Josh admits he's not a mathematician, but he usually does okay with math. However, he keeps... (full context)

...Mom and Dad's bedroom closet. Mom and Dad's closet is off limits. JB often asks Josh to go in there and snoop through Dad's things, but Josh always says no. Today,... (full context)

JB notices that Josh has Dad's box open, so they rummage through it. They find newspaper clippings and old... (full context)

pa-tel-lar ten-di-ni-tis. Josh defines patellar tendinitis as a condition where the muscle connecting the kneecap to the shin... (full context)

Sundays After Church. Every Sunday after church, Josh and his family participate in a pick-up game of basketball at the recreation center. They... (full context)

Basketball Rule #2. In a random text, Dad tells Josh to hustle, run quickly, pivot and chase, aim and shoot. He tells Josh to work... (full context)

Girls. Josh and JB walk into the lunchroom together. Even though Josh isn't bald, his hair looks... (full context)

While Vondie and JB. Josh does his and JB's vocabulary homework while Vondie and JB debate whether Miss Sweet Tea... (full context)

pul-chri-tu-di-nous. Josh defines pulchritudinous as having great beauty and appeal. He says that every guy in the... (full context)

...wind sprints Coach announces that the winner doesn't have to practice. Vondie runs hard, but Josh is faster. He takes the lead but then lets Vondie win so he can practice. (full context)

Walking Home. As the boys walk home from practice, Josh peppers JB with questions. He asks if JB thinks they can win the county championship,... (full context)

Man to Man. Josh taunts JB as he dribbles. He suggests that JB should've gone to the mall with... (full context)

After dinner. After dinner, Dad takes Josh and JB to the rec center to practice free throws. While the boys shoot, Dad... (full context)

After we win. After the game, Josh notices Miss Sweet Tea shooting baskets at the other court. He wonders if she actually... (full context)

Dad reminisces about how, when Josh and JB were two, he taught them to play. Mom thought he was crazy. Then,... (full context)

...people expect out of you what they expect out of their own lives. Dad encourages Josh and JB to shoot for the sun. (full context)

Josh's Play-by-Play. The visiting team brings their entire school to cheer, and they're winning. Josh is... (full context)

The new girl. After the game, Miss Sweet Tea approaches Josh and compliments him on his dunk. She asks if he'll be at the gym over... (full context)

I Missed Three Free Throws Tonight. Josh explains that every night after dinner, Dad insists that he and JB shoot free throws... (full context)

Basketball Rule #4. Josh says that if a person misses enough of life's free throws, they'll pay for it... (full context)

Having a mother. Josh is grateful when Mom rescues him from free-throw practice. His arms feel heavy by then,... (full context)

Mom shouts. Josh listens to his parents fight. Mom wants Dad to see the doctor for hypertension since... (full context)

hy-per-ten-sion. Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. Josh uses it in a sentence and says that Mom tries to keep Dad from eating... (full context)

To fall asleep. As Josh tries to fall asleep, he counts his locks over and over again. He feels like... (full context)

Why We Only Ate Salad for Thanksgiving. Josh explains that every year, Grandma cooks dinner, but this year, she fell and couldn't cook.... (full context)

How Do You Spell Trouble? Josh is busy taking his vocabulary test when JB passes Josh a note to pass along... (full context)

Bad News. Josh sits in Mom's office and reads about the Air Force and the Marines. Mom is... (full context)

Gym class. As far as Josh is concerned, gym is supposed to be about balls. Today, however, the teacher leads a... (full context)

Conversation. Josh tries to talk to JB and tell him about playing a pickup game at the... (full context)

Conversation. Josh takes his problem to Dad and says that JB is acting weird: he's smiling, he... (full context)

Showoff. Josh narrates another play-by-play. With six seconds to go, the Wildcats are up sixteen points. JB... (full context)

Mom calls me into the kitchen. After the game, Mom asks Josh to come into the kitchen. She normally does this to get Josh's opinion on whatever... (full context)

Mom fixes Josh with a look when he tries to leave the table and tells him about his... (full context)

...of the Wildcats' first game is 35-18. A reporter from the paper asks JB and Josh how they got so good. Dad takes it upon himself to respond and says they... (full context)

Too Good. Josh thinks that things are going great. He feels like he's winning in lots of places,... (full context)

I'm on Free Throw Number Twenty-Seven. Josh and JB take turns shooting free throws. JB has gotten twelve in a row so... (full context)

He probably. When Josh asks JB if he thinks Dad is sick, JB says that Dad probably just got... (full context)

...a strange or funny sequence of events that appear strange or funny because of coincidence. Josh says that it's ironic that Vondie's mom works for NASA, but Vondie hates astronomy. He... (full context)

This Is Alexis--May I Please Speak to Jordan? As Josh accepts the phone, he tells the reader that identical twins are just like everyone else.... (full context)

Phone Conversation (I Sub for JB). Josh tells Alexis that he's JB and then asks her about her sisters. She says that... (full context)

...when JB is going to introduce her to his parents and if she's his girlfriend, Josh covers the mouthpiece and asks JB what he's supposed to say. JB nervously says to... (full context)

JB and I. Josh and JB usually eat lunch together every day. They argue about everything from basketball players... (full context)

Boy walks into a room. JB and Miss Sweet Tea walk over slowly. JB greets Josh by calling him Filthy McNasty, which he does all the time. This time, however, it... (full context)

...they will. Rather than running drills, Coach leads the team in meditation. As he meditates, Josh sees a picture of JB in the hospital in his head. He opens his eyes... (full context)

Second-Person. Josh walks home alone after practice, which feels strange since he usually walks with JB. He... (full context)

Third Wheel. Josh walks into the library. He wastes time by looking at music and magazines, and then... (full context)

The main reason I can't sleep. Josh can't sleep. Though he's worried about the game tomorrow, concerned about Dad, and hates how... (full context)

Surprised. Josh has a plan: he's going to talk to JB about how he's spending all his... (full context)

Conversation. While Dad drives Josh to the game, Josh asks if going to the doctor will kill Dad. Dad says... (full context)

...his license and registration. A few minutes after that, the team begins their warm-ups without Josh in preparation for the game. Dad tells the officer that his license is at home... (full context)

This is my second year. Josh tells the reader that in the two years he's played for the Wildcats, he's started... (full context)

Basketball Rule #6. Josh explains that for a team to be truly great, they need both a good scorer... (full context)

Josh's Play-by-Play. By the beginning of the second half, the Wildcats are up, 23-12. Josh is... (full context)

The other two players stick close to Josh. He decides to try to dunk until he realizes his locks are gone. Coach, Dad,... (full context)

Before. Josh says that earlier, he walked into the gym covered in mud. JB screamed "FILTHY'S McNasty,"... (full context)

...and Dad are serious, while JB leans his bandaged face against the window. Even though Josh is only two feet away from any of his family members, he feels miles away. (full context)

Suspension. Mom tells Josh to sit down, asks if he'd like a sandwich, and offers him orange soda. Josh... (full context)

Mom insists that's not acceptable and reminds Josh that he'll need to apologize to JB. Then, she says that there will be consequences... (full context)

...means to have a bad temper and to be difficult to work with. Once, when Josh wanted a pair of Stephon Marbury sneakers, Dad insisted that Marbury had a bad attitude... (full context)

This week, I. Josh gets his report card, makes the honor roll, watches the Wildcats play and win a... (full context)

The Nosebleed Section. Josh sits with Mom and Dad in the top row of the bleachers. He thinks that... (full context)

Fast Break. JB moves the ball up the court. Josh can tell he's aiming for a basket when JB tries to fake out the opposing... (full context)

...losing his cool as JB asks if he can go to the mall after practice. Josh points out that they can check out a new video game, but JB doesn't respond.... (full context)

...won the game against Olive Branch Junior High, and that the team seemed unhurt by Josh's absence. JB instead led the team to victory. The team will start to fight for... (full context)

Mostly everyone. Most of Josh's classmates congratulate him on being selected the MVP by the Daily News. Miss Sweet Tea,... (full context)

...The Bell family eats fruit and watches Jeopardy. One of the questions is about basketball. Josh interrupts and reminds his parents that the playoffs are in two days, his grades were... (full context)

...a letter to JB, written in two columns that can be read together or separately, Josh says that without his brother, he's empty. His life seems broken now, and he feels... (full context)

I don't know. Josh isn't sure if JB read his letter, but he does notice that when he teases... (full context)

No Pizza and Fries. Josh thinks that Mom is cruel for packing him a spinach and tofu salad. However, the... (full context)

Uh-oh. One afternoon, while Josh is on the phone with Vondie discussing the chances of Josh playing this season, Josh... (full context)

I run into Dad's room. Josh runs to investigate the panting. He finds Dad on the floor cleaning a spot that... (full context)

Dad assures Josh that he and JB are mature enough to be okay and asks why Josh is... (full context)

Josh tells Dad that since it means so much to him, he'll ask Mom about the... (full context)

The girl who stole my brother. Josh decides that he's now going to call Miss Sweet Tea "The girl who stole my... (full context)

Things I Learn at Dinner. Josh learns all sorts of things about Miss Sweet Tea at dinner. She's been to a... (full context)

Dishes. When Josh is finished cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, Mom comes in. Josh asks when Dad... (full context)

Coach's Talk Before the Game. For the playoff game, Josh decides to sit with the team on the bench instead of in the bleachers. Coach... (full context)

Text Messages from Mom, Part One. Around 7 pm, Mom texts Josh to say that she and Dad went out for some fresh air since Dad wasn't... (full context)

...moves the ball up the court and makes a basket. JB is playing splendidly and Josh feels like he, Coach, and Miss Sweet Tea are JB's "choir." Josh cheers as JB... (full context)

Tomorrow Is the Last Day of School Before Christmas Vacation. Josh is studying by himself. JB is too, which worries Josh: tomorrow is the big vocabulary... (full context)

Coach comes over. During lunch, Coach sits down at Josh's table with a McDonald's lunch. He gives a fry each to Josh and Vondie and... (full context)

es-tranged. Josh defines "estranged" as a time when one person becomes a stranger to someone who they... (full context)

...the last day of school before winter break, Mom works late so Dad picks up Josh and JB. The boys still aren't talking, but they both laugh at Dad's jokes. When... (full context)

The Phone Rings. Josh answers the phone since Mom is decorating the tree and Dad is outside shooting free... (full context)

When we get to the court. At the rec center, Josh challenges Dad to a warm-up game. Dad agrees and hits Josh in the chest with... (full context)

At Noon in the Gym, with Dad. People watch Dad and Josh play. Josh does well and is up by five points, but Dad steals the ball.... (full context)

...doctor pats Jordan and me on the back and says. The doctor tells JB and Josh that Dad will be fine; they'll be fishing again soon. Josh petulantly says they don't... (full context)

...thing that Dad loved the most, and it caused his myocardial infarction. The doctor sees Josh looking up the symptoms, which include sweating, vomiting, and nosebleeds, and points out that they're... (full context)

Okay, Dad. Josh decides to talk to Dad, even though he's been told that Dad might not be... (full context)

Mom, since you asked, I'll tell you why I'm so angry. Josh is angry because Dad tried to dunk and Josh wants to win a championship, but... (full context)

Text Messages from Vondie. After the game, Vondie sends several texts to Josh. He explains that the game went into double overtime. Coach called a time-out and the... (full context)

...Dad wakes up. He smiles at Mom, gives JB a high five, and then looks Josh in the eye. He says he didn't jump ship. (full context)

...and pound cake are horrendous, but the Santa at the hospital gets everyone to sing. Josh thinks that all the joy is ruining his mood; he thinks he doesn't remember how... (full context)

...how, when they were seven, JB wanted to swing. All the swings were filled, so Josh pushed a kid out of a swing so JB could take it. He says that... (full context)

Questions. Dad asks if Josh has been practicing his free throws, but Josh responds by asking why Dad didn't go... (full context)

Dad jokes about how horrible Uncle Bob's turkey was, but Josh doesn't think it's funny. Josh asks if the family is falling apart, but Dad puzzlingly... (full context)

Tanka for Language Arts Class. Josh writes that his Christmas wasn't merry, and he's not happy in the new year either.... (full context)

I don't think I'll ever get used to. Josh thinks he'll never get used to all the things he has to do alone. He... (full context)

...hospital and promises to see the boys at the game before getting in her car. Josh asks JB what they should do, but JB just cries. He gets his bike and... (full context)

During warm-ups. Josh plays poorly during warm-ups. Coach assures Josh that if he wants to be at the... (full context)

Text Messages from Mom, Part Two. Mom texts Josh and says that Dad is having complications, but he'll pull through and sends his love.... (full context)

For Dad. Josh's free throw rolls around the rim, but finally goes through the net. The Wildcats are... (full context)

The Last Shot. Josh feels like he has lightning on his shoes as he dribbles the ball down the... (full context)

...The paper writes that Charlie "Da Man" Bell (Dad) collapsed in a basketball game with Josh. He suffered complications and died of a massive heart attack in the hospital. He suffered... (full context)

Where Do We Go from Here? Josh thinks that there are no coaches or comforting game rituals at funerals. He feels unprepared... (full context)

star-less. Josh defines "starless" as a state of being without stars. Josh says that if he and... (full context)

There are so many friends. Everyone crowds into the Bells' house. Josh steps outside and listens to John Coltrane and Jay-Z coming from inside. Mom smiles and... (full context)

Josh heads back outside. On his way out, Mom kisses him and gives him a piece... (full context)

Free Throws. Josh finishes his dessert in four mouthfuls and then fishes the ball from where it's stuck,... (full context)

Josh makes the next twelve shots and thinks of them as the years of his life.... (full context)

The boys each ask how the other is and then JB compliments Josh on his crossover at the game last week. Josh asks if JB saw the trophy.... (full context)

As JB starts to walk away, he says that he bets the dishes that Josh misses the next shot. Josh shouts that they're both “Da Man” and tosses JB the... (full context)

Josh Character Analysis

Josh Quotes in The Crossover

Warm-Up Quotes

First Quarter Quotes

Second Quarter Quotes

Third Quarter Quotes

Fourth Quarter Quotes

Overtime Quotes

Josh Character Timeline in The Crossover