They've inherited his prowess on the court and are slated to go just as far, if not further, than their father did in their basketball careers. Josh and JB are proud to be the sons of Chuck 'Da Man' Bell. Josh often wonders if their family is 'falling apart' because of what is going on, and while, of course, it isn't, it is definitely enduring some attacks on its unity and health. The family isn't perfect, though: when characters let the family down (e.g., Josh hurting JB, Dad refusing to go to the doctor), it causes shockwaves throughout the unit. Josh and JB are loving sons sometimes they display some negative traits characteristic of a young teenager, but they ultimately have honest and healthy relationships with their parents. Mom and Dad are thoughtful, engaged parents who want the best for and encourage the best in their children. In this novel, the family unit is a supportive, uplifting, inspiring, ordering, meaning-providing, and sustaining entity. Familyįamily is one of the most important themes in the text.

Growing up is thus a terrifying and magical time, and Alexander manages to convey it with empathy and nuance.

Sometimes, the boys behave in ways they don't quite get themselves-for example, Josh does not know how he got so 'churlish' when it came to JB-and other times, they are deeply introspective and can analyze why they do or feel a certain way. This comes with numerous confusing, exhilarating, and scary experiences: girlfriends for the first time, losing friends and loved ones, making serious mistakes, forming one's identity, understanding the value of loyalty and the pain of loss, and more. Josh and JB are at the crucial age of passing from being children to young adults.

The crossover kwame