In at least 3-4 complete sentences, discuss how your feelings about the narrator Josh have developed over the course of this verse novel. Be sure to include at least 3 specific examples from the crossover story in your answer.


What was your initial impression of him?

Describe what words or events, in which poems, shape your feelings about him.

What, if anything, has changed your impression of him?

1 answer

My initial impression of the narrator Josh was that he was a talented and passionate basketball player, but also somewhat self-centered and arrogant. This impression was shaped by poems like "November 7," where Josh confidently boasts about his skills on the court. Additionally, in "the new kid," he seems dismissive of his new neighbor, who is also a basketball enthusiast.

However, as the verse novel progresses, my impression of Josh evolves. In "spud," he defends his younger brother against a bully and shows a protective and caring side that I hadn't initially seen. This event humanizes him and reveals his loyalty towards his family.

Furthermore, in the poem "74," Josh reflects on his father's health scare, which makes him realize how much his family means to him. This moment of vulnerability and growth transforms my impression of him and shows his maturity.

Additionally, in "the chill," Josh learns a valuable lesson about the importance of teamwork and humility after a disappointing loss. This event changes my impression of him as he accepts responsibility for his actions and shows a willingness to learn and grow.

Overall, through these experiences and moments of growth, the narrator Josh becomes a more complex and relatable character, shifting my initial impression from a self-centered athlete to a young man with a strong sense of family, maturity, and personal development.