1. Poetry Terms
The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander

2. Line vs. Stanza
Line-
a word or row of words that may or may not form a complete sentence
Stanza-
a group of lines that create a unit, like a paragraph in prose
Numbering poetry--
Lines of poetry are numbers along the left margin of the poem.

3. “Josh Bell” (page 4-5)
is my name
But Filthy McNasty is my claim to fame.
Folks call me that
‘cause my game’s acclaimed,
So downright dirty, it’ll put you to shame.
My hair is long, my height’s tall.
See, I’m the next Kevin Durant,
LeBron, and Chris Paul.
Remember the greats,
my dad likes to gloat:
I balled with Magic and the Goat.
But tricks are for kids, I reply.
Don’t need your pets
my game’s so fly.
Mom says,
Your dad’s old school,
like an ol’ Chevette.
You’re fresh and new,
Like a red Corvette.
Your game so sweet, it’s a crepes suzette.
Each time you play
it’s ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL net.
If anyone else called me
fresh and sweet,
I’d burn mad as a flame.
But I know she’s only talking about my game.
See, when I play ball,
I’m on fire.
When I shoot,
I inspire.
The hoop’s for sale,
And I’m the buyer.

4. Figurative Language
Onomatopoeia- a word that sounds like the sound it makes Examples from “Dribbling” (page 3)

6. Figurative Language Simile-
comparing two unlike things using the words like or as
Example from “At The End of Warm-Ups, My Brother Tries to Dunk” (page 24-25)
Metaphor-
comparing two unlike things directly, doesn’t use the words like or as

7. Figurative Language Personification-
giving an animal or an object human-like characteristics
Example from “At The End of Warm-Ups, My Brother Tries to Dunk” (page 24-25)

9. Figurative Language Symbol-
a word, action, or image that represents something other than itself
Example from “The inside of Mom and Dad’s bedroom closet” (page 44)

11. Imagery
Imagery—
any word or phrase that appeals to one of the five senses
Example from “Mom calls me iinto the kitchen” page 96

13. Figurative Language Hyperbole- an extreme exaggeration
Example from “cross o ver” (page 29)

15. Syllables
Syllable- a unit of organization for a sequence of speech sounds Dog: dog (1) Water: wa ter (2) Recently: re cent ly (3) Watermelon: wa ter mel on (4)
Basketball Rule #2 (page 51)
Hustle dig
Grind push
Run fast
Change pivot
Chase pull
Aim shoot
Work smart
Live smarter
Play hard
Practice harder

16. Poetic Devices Rhyme scheme- the pattern of end rhymes in a poem
Basketball is the greatest sport
You get to dribble up and down the court
A shot here
A block there
The shot clock goes out
The crowd starts to shout
Don’t be a fool and bring this game to shame
Because basketball is the greatest game

17. Poetic Devices Free verse-poetry that does not have a set rhyme scheme
Example from “After dinner” (page 60)

19. Types of Rhyme End Rhyme- rhyming words at the ends of lines
Example from “Man to Man” (page 59)
Internal Rhyme- rhyming words within a line
Approximate Rhyme/slant rhyme- the end words look similar or sound similar but do not sound exactly the same Example from “Man to Man” (page 59)

21. Sound Devices Alliteration-
When the first consonant sound of various words in a line or lines of poetry are repeated
Examples from “After dinner” (page 60)
Examples from “Showoff” (page 94)

24. Sound Devices Assonance- Repetition of vowel sounds in lines of poetry
Ex: “The freak storm squeaked and squealed last week"
Consonance-
Repetition of consonant sounds in the middle or end of words in lines of poetry
Ex: “I must request that you stop making mistakes"

25. Concrete or Form Poem Concrete or Form Poem-
A poem that shows the motion, shape, or outline of a poem's topic
Examples from “Showoff” (page 94)