The Crossover Graphic Novel (2019) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romance is limited to middle school crushes, primarily involving Jordan (JB) and the new girl at school, Miss Sweet Tea. The characters are seen holding hands, and there is a brief mention of an innocent first kiss that causes tension between the twins. Josh feels like a third wheel as his brother spends more time talking to a girl than focusing on basketball. There is no sexual content, innuendo, or suggestive dialogue present in the graphic novel. The focus remains entirely on the emotional shift in the boys'…

The violence is minimal and restricted to sports-related physicality and one moment of sibling aggression where Josh loses his cool. During a tense game, Josh intentionally passes the ball with excessive force, hitting his twin brother JB in the face and causing a significant bloody nose. There are also descriptions of the physical toll that heart disease takes on the father, Chuck, though this is medical in nature rather than traditional violence. On the court, there is incidental contact such as elbowing and…

The language is very mild and appropriate for the middle-grade target audience, including occasional uses of 'shut up' or 'stupid.' Josh and Jordan use light taunts on the basketball court, but these never escalate into profanity or slurs. The father, a former pro, uses motivating language that can be intense but is never inappropriate. There are no four-letter words or mature curses throughout the entire graphic novel. The tone remains respectful, even during moments of high frustration and sibling conflict.

Substance use is not a focus of the narrative; there is a brief mention of the father's past refusal to take prescribed medicine for his heart condition. The book emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, with the mother, Dr. Bell, frequently pushing for better dietary choices and the father sneaking 'unhealthy' snacks like donuts. There is no mention of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs. The 'substances' discussed are purely medicinal or related to junk food, serving as a point of contention regarding…

The story centers on the powerful bond between brothers Josh and Jordan, the stress of their father Chuck's serious illness, and the process of mourning a sudden loss. As Chuck's hypertension and heart disease worsen, the family deals with fear and the refusal of medical intervention. The emotional weight peaks when the boys must face the death of their mentor and father right before a championship game. Additional themes include sibling rivalry, the pressure of athletic expectations, and learning how to navigate…