
And he wrote the novel in verse because he started out as a poet. Alexander knew a story about sports would attract reluctant readers, especially boys.

His winning novel is a story about twin brothers who love each other and basketball in equal measure.

"But I so wanted the journey to end in a really cool place." "I know we hear that it is all about the journey, and it was," he says. This year's Newbery went to Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, and the Caldecott went to Dan Santat's The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend.Īlexander says he couldn't sleep Sunday night knowing that he had a chance of winning the Newbery. The two that get the most attention are the John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children's literature and the Randolph Caldecott Medal for picture book artistry. Your purchase helps support NPR programming. Close overlay Buy Featured Book Title The Crossover Author Kwame Alexander
