Who Are The Twins In 'The Crossover' By Kwame Alexander?

The twins in 'The Crossover' by Kwame Alexander are Josh and Jordan Bell, two brothers who are as close as two peas in a pod but couldn’t be more different on the court. Josh, nicknamed Filthy McNasty for his slick moves, is the narrator of the story, and his voice carries the rhythm of the game—fast, sharp, and full of passion. Jordan, or JB, is the quieter one, but don’ let that fool you; he’s got a killer jump shot and a focus that’s almost unnerving. The way Kwame Alexander writes them, you can practically hear the squeak of their sneakers on the hardwood and feel the tension when their bond starts to fray.

Basketball is their shared language, but life throws them curveballs that test their twin connection. JB starts dating a girl, and suddenly, the court isn’t the only thing dividing them. Josh struggles with jealousy, and their once seamless teamwork starts to crack. Their dad, a former pro player, looms large in their lives, and his health issues add another layer of pressure. The twins’ relationship is the heart of the story, and Alexander captures every high and low with this raw, poetic energy that makes you feel like you’re right there with them, sweating it out in the fourth quarter.

What’s fascinating is how their differences complement each other. Josh is all about the flash, the dribbles and dunks that get the crowd roaring, while JB is the steady hand, the one who calculates every move. When they’re in sync, it’s magic. But when they’re not? It’s like watching a symphony miss a note. The book doesn’t just explore basketball; it digs into brotherhood, growing up, and how even the strongest bonds can stretch and strain. By the end, you’re left rooting for them both—not just to win games, but to find their way back to each other.