THE CROSSOVER

Sometimes certain books just grab you. Kwame Alexander's new book "the Crossover" belongs in that category. 

We picked up "the Crossover" at Powell's in the Portland the airport. We drawn to it because Nicholas has become rather interested in basketball, and the cover of the novel is adorned with the image of basketball player and  with the sticker for the Newbery Award Medal for the best children's book of 2015. 

At first, I began to read the book with Nicholas, but he went on to finish it himself. I had planned to read it with Cate, but Nicholas dissuaded me from this because he said "she is too young for some of what happens." Intrigued, I read the book on my own tonight, and I was blown away.

There are many reasons why "the Crossover" is remarkable. First, the entire book is written in verse - poems or short raps - and tells the story of two young African-American brothers whose dad is a former basketball great. The book never feels gimmicky, and the words and verse are heavy with emotion but also full of life. The story, too, is quite heartfelt. Indeed, the main character Josh is forced to crossover into many new and challenging directions throughout the course of the book. I constantly found myself empathizing with the young man and remembering so many similar experiences from my own childhood. Finally, this is not a dumbed down version of a coming of age story; not everything works out in the end in "the Crossover," and the ending is quite thought-provoking - especially for young readers. How many times can one say that about a book written primarily for tweens?

Pick up a copy of "The Crossover" or check it out from your library. I promise it will not disappoint, but please have your Kleenex handy!

THE HUNT!

This past Saturday the kids took part in an Easter egg hunt in my old neighborhood in Austin during our visit. As you can tell, they were off to the races once the signal was given.

They both cleaned up.

Where is my solid milk chocolate bunny though?

HOW TO MAKE A CATE

Before Spring Break, the kids in Cate's class completed a "mad libs" style exercise. The goal of the project was to create a recipe of themselves. Cate Cate's is shown below. Warning, this girl is sugary sweet, but she is also pretty spicy!

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

We were back in Texas last week for Spring Break. It was a chance to catch up with friends and family and take a break from work.

We started off in San Antonio visiting my sister and my dad. It was great to be back in the land of beef enchiladas and the Riverwalk, and we even took in a Spurs game! The kids had a great time playing with Cousin Jasmine and Jinxy the dog.

From there, we headed to New Braunfels for a "pit" stop at Cooper's, one of the best BBQ joints in the world. The food was excellent, and we even stopped in for a cherry lime slush at Sonic afterwards!

Finally, we finished the trip in Austin. There, we caught up with my mom, brother, and my friend Kate. I was struck by how much Wells Branch, my old neighborhood, had changed. There is a beautiful trail system, library, active neighborhood association. They even put on an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. Simply put, my old neighborhood is cooler than your old neighborhood!

The trip reminded me how much I miss my family and the place I grew up. However, the trip also reminded me that my life is firmly centered in Oregon now. My job, most of my friends, and so much of what I find beautiful in the world is right here. In short, my roots are here in Portland. 

Thank goodness for planes and vacations though that allow one to reconnect. Let me also remind the readers that flights not only depart from Portland to Texas. They also fly in the opposite direction! Next trip is on you family!