Critical reception for
The Crossover has been positive. According to
Kirkus Reviews, "Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch." In
Booklist, Gail Bush called
The Crossover "a rare verse novel that is fundamentally poetic rather than using this writing trend as a device." Writing for the
Washington Post, Mary Quattlebaum said Alexander was "at the top of his poetic game in this taut, complex tale of the crossover from brash, vulnerable boy to young adult." Poet
Cornelius Eady wrote in
The New York Times, "The biggest surprise of 'The Crossover' is that, for all the bells and whistles of a young man's game, it is most boldly and certainly a book about tenderness." According to Katrina Hedeen in
The Horn Book Magazine, "Alexander brings the novel-in-verse format to a fresh audience with this massively appealing package for reluctant readers, athletes especially." Writing for
School Library Journal, Kiera Parrott said, "Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heart and begs to be read aloud. A slam dunk." The book has been used in many school curriculums, such as the controversial Wit and Wisdom. ==Television adaptation==