In this electrifying follow-up to Kwame Alexander's Newbery winner The Crossover , soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage. A New York Times bestseller and National Book Award Longlist nominee, now in a graphic novel edition featuring art from Dawud Anyabwile. Twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read.   This electric and heartfelt novel-in-verse bends and breaks as it captures all the thrills and setbacks, action and emotion of a World Cup match. "A novel about a soccer-obsessed tween boy written entirely in verse? In a word, yes. Kwame Alexander has the magic to pull off this unlikely feat, both as a poet and as a storyteller. " — The Chicago Tribune Can’t nobody stop you Can’t nobody cop you… Gr 5-8-After a stunning turn with the 2016 graphic novelization of The Crossover, Alexander and Anyabwile once again team up, this time for an adaptation of Alexander's 2016 novel in verse. Eighth grader Nick Hall lives and breathes soccer, but he's got plenty of other things on his mind. His best friend is on a rival team; his dad's expectations for him are astronomically high; a couple of brutish bullies keep getting in his business; he's trying to figure out what to do about his crush, April; and his parents have separated, and, even worse, his mom is moving from their home in Texas to Kentucky to train racing horses. Readers will find Nick relatable and funny-his malapropisms and wordplay brim with rhythmic joy, even when he addresses tough topics. Nick finds himself succeeding in some spaces while drowning in others. Luckily, supportive adults help pull him to shore, like the Mac, a rapper-turned-librarian who (along with April) reframes Nick's relationship with words and reading, laying the groundwork for a fresh start for the boy and his dad. The grayscale palette, highlighted by lime green accents, allows the poetry to take center stage. Nick and his family are Black. VERDICT Conveying an important mental health message, this graphic novel adaptation is one more feather in the cap of a truly iconic author.-Abby Bussen, Muskego P.L., WIα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "Alexander's poetic storytelling and knack for language wrap around fun and expressive artwork to make for an inarguably charming format that may especially hold appeal for reluctant readers."-- Kirkus "Conveying an important mental health message, this graphic novel adaptation is one more ­feather in the cap of a truly iconic author."-- School Library Journal Dawud Anyabwile is an Emmy Award–winning artist, illustrator, and cocreator of the groundbreaking comic book series Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline.  Anyabwile has worked with companies such as Cartoon Network, Turner Studios, NBA TV, Nickelodeon, and many others as a character designer, storyboard artist, illustrator, and concept artist. Anyabwile illustrated the graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel Monster  by Walter Dean Myers. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anyabwile now volunteers, teaches art classes to young students, and gives lectures when he isn't working on his art. Instagram @brothermancomix