Features

Mr. Wasko answers questions about “The Crossover”

Sophia Casasola, Mann Patel, and Liam Long

January 30, 2026

Mr. Wasko in his room.

Panther press: What’s your opinion on “The Crossover”?

Mr.Wasko: I think “The Crossover” is not a perfect book. It is flawed but over all it is an engaging book for young people.

Panther press: Who’s your favorite character and why?

Mr. Wasko: The mom because she is ignored by the author and the men in her family.

Panther press: Why did you choose this book for your class?

Mr. Wasko: It is very engaging for young people and because it has a lot of pictures.

Panther press: If you could change one thing about a scene or a character what would it be?

Mr. Wasko: The mom would be more of a real person rather than just a prop that is ignored by everyone.

Panther press: What’s your favorite thing about the book so far?

Mr. Wasko: My favorite moment from the book is when Josh violently throws the ball at his brother’s face, making him bleed.

Panther press: What’s your opinion on the author’s point of view?

Mr. Wasko: I think his point of view myopcie meaning he not writing this necessarily with not middle schoolers in mind because he expects them to know slang from the early 90s.

Panther press: What message do you think the author is trying to get across in the book?

Mr. Wasko: That families need to communicate because the book is not really about basketball, it’s about family and families are made up of teammates.

Panther press: Overall what would you rate “The Crossover”?

Mr. Wasko: It’s a solid 7.5.

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About the Contributors

Sophia Casasola, Reporter

Sophia Casasola is a student at IMS. She just moved to Iselin with her mom and siblings, Isabella, Tommy, Adam and Michael. Casasola grew up in Woodbridge, NJ and went to WMS. Casasola’s hobbies are poetry, writing stories and discovering new places and people. Even though she loves exploring and meeting new people she also loves staying inside and listening to music. Casasola likes rock, volleyball, the Yankees and sleeping.

Mann Patel, Reporter

Mann Patel is a student who relishes soccer and basketball. Patel goes to Iselin Middle School. Patel is currently 12 years old and he also enjoys sports. Patel has an older brother that is currently 15 years old. His brother is officially in JFK High School. His hobbies are reading, karate, going outside, and drawing. Patel’s favorite teams are Real Madrid and the Lakers. His favorite players are Neymar and Lebron. Patel’s favorite board games are Uno, Tic Tac Toe, and Connect 4. Patel was in track for 4th and 5th grade for the relay team winning 2 matches and receiving a medal. Patel’s favorite subject is math.

Liam Long, Reporter

Liam Long is an IMS student journalist. He lived in North Carolina, Upstate New York, and now New Jersey. He lives with his mom Desiree and his pet rabbit Speedy. He is 11 years old and he was born on 23/12/2013. His favorite sport is soccer and he has a PS 5. He likes coffee and he works out sometimes. He is the 4th oldest grandchild in his family and the 2nd oldest boy in his family. The football teams he likes are the Carolina Panthers, Eagles, and the Jets, and the Bills.

Daniel Taistra, Reporter

Daniel Taistra is a student at IMS. He lives in a small neighborhood next to Route 9. Taistra grew up in Iselin and went to School #18. Taistra lives with his parents Rafal and Monica. Taistra has a sister Natalia and a dog named Luna.

Taistra plays for a soccer team that his dad coaches. Some of his hobbies include going to the JFK field and playing soccer. He likes to build legos and go to the Red Bulls stadium to watch a soccer game and see some nice fireworks.