Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever

I have few books that have made me connect in wonder and pride as this book has done. Kareem is someone who has been a shining example of what can be achieved despite every obstacle. I can honestly say I routed for him and his siblings the entire book, cried (tremendously) at their tragedies, even successes. This straightforward, no nonsense , true love affair with horses and connection was much more than I expected. I have since read chapters to friends and family as an example of what perseverance looks like. I highly recommend this book!!

I play polo, but you don’t have to know anything about the sport to find Kareem’s story both compelling and inspiring. It is also beautifully written. One of the best memoirs I’ve read in recent years - I couldn't put it down!

Amazing story about a great program, Work to Ride, in inner city Philadelphia. Very well written. Funny, sad, happy, story of success that was created by a determined young man in the most unlikely scenario. Gives hope and perspective. Kareem Rosser - you have delivered! So proud of you. Your story certainly doesn’t end here.

Both heart wrenching and heart warming! What an inspirational story! Loved it!!

Crossing the Line is an absolutely incredible memoir of perseverance, devotion, and love. It was an absolute honor to be able to read Kareem's story, and to share in the hardships and heartbreaks, glory and successes of his life within the pages of this book. I cannot recommend this book enough to not only polo fans, and horse lovers, but to EVERYONE. I am not typically a fan of non-fiction, but this book touched me in ways I can't quite put into words. It was a page-turner, and a tear-jerker, and it opened my eyes to a version of a world I never really truly understood. I have been impressed and have loved the concept of the Work to Ride program since I heard of it, but I'm filled with wonder at the power it has to help kids escape The Bottom in Philadelphia, and how much importance it brings to the lives of underprivileged youth in Philadelphia. It is an incredible program that I hope gets more attention after this book.

An incredible memoir that goes beyond the world of polo. Kareem’s journey to get out of The Bottom will leave you holding your breath and emotionally invested until the very end. Truly a must read that you will never forget.

A book for everyone! This is a fabulous read a true inspiration to us all. Perseverance over every obstacle - it’s about a young’s mans struggle to better himself and contribute to the world and those around him. Polo is the route he took but this book is a lessons learned example to anyone looking to find an opportunity in life to do more. It opens your mind to the fact that this is no replacement for hardwork, courage and perseverance! Great work Kareem this book is guide for anyone who doubts that the cards you dealt are not the ones you have to live. hats off to you and the amazing Work To Ride Program. Buy this book for a great read and an opportunity to be part of a “real life” success story of an inner city Kid who against all odds makes it happen! Enjoy!

I loved this memoir, in fact, I stayed up too late several nights because I couldn’t put it down. I found it compelling from cover to cover. I’d heard about the Work to Ride program many years ago on Real Sports and was thrilled to learn more through Kareem’s experience. I’m blown away by his honesty and tenacity and sad for his personal losses. I’d recommend this book to everyone who wants a real view into serious struggle and how difficult it can be to get out and also be inspired by someone who did. I believe that 50% of the proceeds from this memoir will be given to Work to Ride and I’m happy to support such a great organization! I hope they get that indoor arena soon. As a horse rider in Colorado, I can appreciate the goal! Thank you Kareem for putting your story into the world. I hope to see you play someday.

Very well written, an excellent story of learning how to overcome hardship and embracing family. A great book for anyone. Very easy to read and a real page turner! I hope you write more books soon! I also hope this inspires more people to start playing polo.

I have done some web site work for Lezlie and Kareem and admired them. I've witnessed the outstanding riding skills the kids from Work to Ride have. Their courage. I've been to WTR fundraisers and like most everyone else, I love Lez. But I had no idea until I read Kareem's book how gigantic and incredible their story really is. Every city school needs to get this book into the hands of teachers and students. Every other person on earth needs to read it, crack yourself open and feel. Kareem tells his story with honesty, in his words, from his heart. A black kid and his brothers became famous polo players in a white man's sport. Read this book to learn how. Share this book to inspire everyone.

I have few books that have made me connect in wonder and pride as this book has done. Kareem is someone who has been a shining example of what can be achieved despite every obstacle. I can honestly say I routed for him and his siblings the entire book, cried (tremendously) at their tragedies, even successes. This straightforward, no nonsense , true love affair with horses and connection was much more than I expected. I have since read chapters to friends and family as an example of what perseverance looks like. I highly recommend this book!!

I play polo, but you don’t have to know anything about the sport to find Kareem’s story both compelling and inspiring. It is also beautifully written. One of the best memoirs I’ve read in recent years - I couldn't put it down!

Amazing story about a great program, Work to Ride, in inner city Philadelphia. Very well written. Funny, sad, happy, story of success that was created by a determined young man in the most unlikely scenario. Gives hope and perspective. Kareem Rosser - you have delivered! So proud of you. Your story certainly doesn’t end here.

Both heart wrenching and heart warming! What an inspirational story! Loved it!!

Crossing the Line is an absolutely incredible memoir of perseverance, devotion, and love. It was an absolute honor to be able to read Kareem's story, and to share in the hardships and heartbreaks, glory and successes of his life within the pages of this book. I cannot recommend this book enough to not only polo fans, and horse lovers, but to EVERYONE. I am not typically a fan of non-fiction, but this book touched me in ways I can't quite put into words. It was a page-turner, and a tear-jerker, and it opened my eyes to a version of a world I never really truly understood. I have been impressed and have loved the concept of the Work to Ride program since I heard of it, but I'm filled with wonder at the power it has to help kids escape The Bottom in Philadelphia, and how much importance it brings to the lives of underprivileged youth in Philadelphia. It is an incredible program that I hope gets more attention after this book.

An incredible memoir that goes beyond the world of polo. Kareem’s journey to get out of The Bottom will leave you holding your breath and emotionally invested until the very end. Truly a must read that you will never forget.

A book for everyone! This is a fabulous read a true inspiration to us all. Perseverance over every obstacle - it’s about a young’s mans struggle to better himself and contribute to the world and those around him. Polo is the route he took but this book is a lessons learned example to anyone looking to find an opportunity in life to do more. It opens your mind to the fact that this is no replacement for hardwork, courage and perseverance! Great work Kareem this book is guide for anyone who doubts that the cards you dealt are not the ones you have to live. hats off to you and the amazing Work To Ride Program. Buy this book for a great read and an opportunity to be part of a “real life” success story of an inner city Kid who against all odds makes it happen! Enjoy!

I loved this memoir, in fact, I stayed up too late several nights because I couldn’t put it down. I found it compelling from cover to cover. I’d heard about the Work to Ride program many years ago on Real Sports and was thrilled to learn more through Kareem’s experience. I’m blown away by his honesty and tenacity and sad for his personal losses. I’d recommend this book to everyone who wants a real view into serious struggle and how difficult it can be to get out and also be inspired by someone who did. I believe that 50% of the proceeds from this memoir will be given to Work to Ride and I’m happy to support such a great organization! I hope they get that indoor arena soon. As a horse rider in Colorado, I can appreciate the goal! Thank you Kareem for putting your story into the world. I hope to see you play someday.

Very well written, an excellent story of learning how to overcome hardship and embracing family. A great book for anyone. Very easy to read and a real page turner! I hope you write more books soon! I also hope this inspires more people to start playing polo.

I have done some web site work for Lezlie and Kareem and admired them. I've witnessed the outstanding riding skills the kids from Work to Ride have. Their courage. I've been to WTR fundraisers and like most everyone else, I love Lez. But I had no idea until I read Kareem's book how gigantic and incredible their story really is. Every city school needs to get this book into the hands of teachers and students. Every other person on earth needs to read it, crack yourself open and feel. Kareem tells his story with honesty, in his words, from his heart. A black kid and his brothers became famous polo players in a white man's sport. Read this book to learn how. Share this book to inspire everyone.

A powerful story of survival and determination. Kareem Rosser is an inspiration to us all and teaches us, with enough inner strength and perseverance, anything is possible. You won’t be able to put this book down once you start reading!

Kareem's story - and that of his family and Work to Ride - is one of the most inspiring things you will read. A fabulous book by someone who has done and experienced more in three decades than many do in a lifetime. A must-read!

I bought this book because as a Philly native and horse person, I'd heard of the Work to Ride Program and even drove out there when I was looking to move my last horse, Daniel, from MD to PA. (He needed lots of turnout, so it wasn't a match, but I loved what they were doing with kids!) It was a great read! Beautifully written, I found myself laughing out loud at times, cheering for them -although the games were long since over- at others, and a few parts were terribly sad... but isn't that life? I hope Kareem Rosser chooses to write more! I'd definitely read it!

My wife and I have been hosting tailgates at "the poor man's polo" on Forney Field in Rothsville, PA, now for years and have watched Kareem Rosser and the other kids from Work to Ride in Philadelphia grow up on horseback. The games are always much more exciting when the Work to Ride kids are there, as their daring and skill really spark the action. Kareem's story is riveting and he tells it so well in his memoir CROSSING THE LINE, detailing his rise from The Bottom in West Philly to leading the first African-American team to win the interscholastic national polo championship. He is now a successful author and iconic Ralph Lauren model. Congrats to Kareem, we are so proud of you! And I loved your book! One of the best reads I've had in years! -- Duncan W. Alderson, author of the historical novel MAGNOLIA CITY

I loved this book! It is a wonderful read that is hard to put down. When I finished it, I had a lump in my throat as if saying goodbye to a dear friend. What an amazing story of a meaningful personal journey, told with deep honesty and vulnerability, and great insight and compassion. Kareem’s passion and discipline and Lezlie’s dedication to “her” kids are truly inspirational. A story of “commitment to cause” that will deeply move you and make you want to challenge yourself to greater action. I’d love to see Kareem and his team play on the polo field!

Should be mandatory reading in all schools. Every parent of every background should read this with their kids. An honest book, at times tough to stomach, impossible not feel a curve of emotions. So many lessons to be learned from one story.

i was interested to read a first person story of a kid from west philly, near where i grew up, who was saved by the work to ride program. i had heard of the program years ago in a philly inquirer feature. congratulations to lezlie and to kareem and all the others who have been success stories thanks to the devotion of many who love horses.

A beautiful, compelling story that I completely devoured in a couple sittings. Honest, raw and split wide open for the world to see and learn from. I felt immersed in another world. Just completely inspired. A gift of a read.

This book was well written and easy to read. You know it’s a good book when you are sorry that you are at the end. I loved how the author updated on all the characters in the book at the end of the story. The story is uplifting in the fact that this young man over came so many obstacles.

Kareem Rosser is a wonderful writer and story-teller, and he plays polo! His memoir is probably the best I've read. I stayed up way too late to finish reading this in one sitting because I so much wanted to know how it all turned out. Just excellent.

I have been a horse nut all my life, but knew nothing about polo. Kareem's wonderful story was both a great introduction to the sport, as well as a beautiful story of courage, tenacity and gratitude. Highly recommended.

The book Crossing the Line both captured the alchemy between horse and human souls while laying out massive trauma children born into poverty must endure and in the author's case overcome. Well written. Gripping.

This gives just a glimpse of the life of a black child in a poor neighborhood. Even with one option to make a difference in their life, it tells of the pull of the familiar and the belief that there is no way out. Then you add the total lack of multiple options, the attraction of a fast track to dealing to survive and you begin to understand how those young people feel they have no choice. Glad Kareem shared his story of success.

This is an easy read! I enjoyed it and it is a book for young , old and those looking to be inspired!

As a professional horse trainer, I was moved to tears by the pivotal role horses played in Kareem’s life. But even if you’ve never touched a horse, his moving story of transcending his environment, beating overwhelming odds while staying loyal to his family...just knocked my socks off! Can’t wait to follow Kareem as his life unfolds- after all he has already accomplished, no telling where he’s going from here- no limits!

Growing up in North Philly, I did not learn about the horses in Philly til later in life. I was blessed with parents and a block full of caring neighbors in North Philly. Yes I was rare, and unforgettable.

This story is hard to believe is real because this man has overcome our society's worst aspects. The love for horses rings so very true. I am a horse lover and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Kareem's sincere retelling of the beginning of his story captivates immediately. Through graceful, yet no-nonsense reflections, we mount up with him as he recounts the moments, people, places, and (of course) horses who have shaped him so far. Kareem lets us into his head with this quietly searing narrative of the beginning of his life, and leaves us with gratitude for the privilege of a behind-the-scenes glimpse at history in the making. A must read.

This is a well written and a stirring account of young lives in Philadelphia. I knew some of the story but the details shared in this book make it a wonder anyone makes it out alive, never mind thrive and become an inspiration for his neighborhood and a much admired individual around the country.

Just One If everybody could reach out and help just one child what an amazing world this could be. There were so many people who reached out to save Kareem and in the end he stood on their backs to take the steps to help himself. One of the most moving, heartwarming stories I’ve ever read about the human spirit. Fabulous!

This book is Amazing. I’ve bought 4 now. This is a true story of a strong, brave boy and a wonderful stranger who saves him. One doesn’t imagine horses in impoverished West Philly but they are there. Order it, read it, you won’t be sorry!!

Could not put this book down. Kareem shares his incredible story in such an eloquent flow. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer like you were there. Truly and eye-opening and inspiring journey.

Loved this heartwarming story. As a horse owner i understand how he connected to these animals. My heart broke for him and his family when he lost a brother. Read it you'll love it.

It was a very compelling true story, told with honesty and humility. Recommended for anyone.

I literally cannot put this book down. His story is an inspiration to me and certainly opened my eyes. And Lez. What a human being! Thank you so much for sharing your story!!

Best thing I have read in years. I devoured it in a few hours. Made me laugh and cry. Kareem brilliantly tells inspirational story, and I could not recommend it more highly!

I don’t know anything about polo but when I saw an interview of Kareem on the CBS Morning Show I immediately logged onto Amazon to purchase his book. It was so inspiring to read! Loved the treat at the end! I’d recommend this for anyone that is looking for a reminder to never give up because your dreams are attainable!!

I enjoyed this story as it provided hope in challenging times!

The writing is superb, and the true story is simultaneously heartbreaking and exhilarating.

I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in two days. Reem’s story is inspiring and made me want to find ways to invest more time into my local community.

Amazing inspiring book. An easy read that will draw you in and not put down. I highly recommend this book to anyone to read.

It's nice to have book so inspiring. The polo part was fascinating as well. Here's to Saint Lezlie.

Watched CBS Sunday morning expose about this young man and the riding school. What a story......well written and worth the read. I have donated to the school. Horses are healing.

This book is phenomenal - I could not put it down! It is so immersive and written with so much heart. I am so inspired by and happy for Kareem’s success and look forward to following all the great things he, his family, and Work to Ride will accomplish. I hope this gets made into a movie!

Excellent book!

A very inspiring memoir! It’s amazing no matter what age you are you can be inspired and driven by another’s determination and drive! Loved this read, highly recommend!

This story was so compelling, I couldn't put the book down. I finished the book in a little over 24 hours. I kept turning pages, despite knowing the ending. Kareem Rosser and his teammates accomplishments fill me with awe and pride.

Kareem’s story is one of perseverance and persistence. He’s overcome so much. Blessings.

Incredible book! I couldn’t put it down. I cried tears of sorrow, pride, heartbreak and hope while reading it. Thanks to Kareem for telling his story!

Picked up the book and didn’t put it down until I was finished. Beautiful, hopeful, heartbreaking, honest. I cried and I cheered. Crossing The Line cuts across all barriers and speaks directly to the human condition of us all.

I grew up in a sort of work to ride situation. west hill stables in Huntington Station Long Island I am forever grateful because it made me into the person I am today

This book is heart wrenching but so inspiring. I couldn’t put it down. Kareem Rosser is charming, open and sincere. I’m grateful he told his story.

Kareem is one of the most inspirational people and kind humans I’ve ever met or competed against. I’m so glad everyone can hear his story.

Amazing story of resilience ~ Kareem's story need to be read by everyone... not to mention that now I really want to go see a Polo match!!

This book beautifully told Kareem and Work to Rides story. The descriptions of the places and people will draw you in even if you know nothing about polo or horses.

Amazing read. A clear view from the eyes of a group of boys entering the world of polo and how they came together to overcome all the odds.

This book with have you laughing, crying, and rooting for Kareem and his family. Each page turned makes it harder to put down!

It was a well written and deeply moving memoir.

Love it!!!

A wonderful, poignant, inspiring read. Kareem’s storytelling kept the book in my hand from start to finish.

Couldn’t put the book down and finished it within 24 hours of it arriving. Such an inspirational story.

A beautiful book, and an amazing story of perseverance.

Best read I have had in years.

Loved this book. What an inspiring story!

Truly inspiring...... makes the heart beat...

After finishing this book, I imagined a multiple-choice sports quiz, where one of the questions would be: Kareem Rosser started playing which sport as a child in his violent Philadelphia inner-city neighborhood? A) Football B) Basketball C) Baseball D) Polo. Of course, most anyone who never heard of Mr. Rosser would laugh as soon as they saw “polo”, knowing it could not possible be polo! Only, it was polo. One day, when he was a child growing up in a poor family of six kids, his two older brothers discovered The Work To Ride Stables in a nearby park. Founder Lezlie Hiner was giving inner-city kids the chance to ride horses, which would hopefully motivate them to do well in school, stay out of trouble, and have a future that didn’t involve jail or the cemetery. For Kareem Rosser, riding horses not only did all that, but also stopped the panic attacks he was having. He lived in a very violent area, where he said a disagreement with another kid could easily involve a gun. There were no real father figures in his or his sibling’s lives, although he regularly saw his father around the neighborhood, drinking in a field. His mother had a drug problem at times, but still kept the family together, until a kid could no longer be controlled. Horseback riding and polo provided the structure Mr. Rosser, an older brother and a younger brother needed to move forward in life in a constructive manner. Unfortunately, his older brother Bee, a star in the polo world, would quit riding, stop moving forward in life, and ended up going to prison. The incarceration of his two older brothers, as well as his fears of what direction his other siblings might take, weighed heavily on Kareem Rosser. As a teenager, his best friend met a horrid fate, too. Horses and polo gave him something else to focus on, something to excel in, something to dream about, not have nightmares about. The reader learns a lot about polo from this memoir; plus learns a lot about trying to move upward in life, as well as upward in an exclusive type of sport; when many were expecting a downward direction for you, a doomed life one way or another; because of your background and the color of your skin. This is a highly readable, extremely well-written and unique memoir. There’s not an ounce of self-pity or cries of injustice, either. An outstanding, truly heartfelt read. (Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)

I devoured this book on Audible in one day. The story is compelling from the standpoint of my work as a mental health social worker as well as horse lover. In his own way, Kareem wrote a prescription for healing trauma, medication free as his own attempts to address panic attacks are sprinkled throughout the story and resolved with simple truth in later chapters. I don’t want to give that away by writing too much, but I was determined to listen closely after his first mention of anxiety. There is a simple formula outlined, especially after Kareem re enters the barn after a long absence while away at Valley Forge, that corroborates much recent research and writing about recovery from PTSD. I would like to see this book marketed toward psychology, mental health, PTSD, hope, recovery; as well as horse lovers and polo players. It should be required reading for every high schooler. Our communities can help by funding after school programs at equine facilities that are open to providing a safe haven, such as Lezlie Hiner intuitively provided for Kareem at Work To Ride. Please read this timely book and share it with others.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Kareem Rosser and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my honest review. Crossing the River by Kareem Rosser is his story of growing up in the projects of Philadelphia and overcoming the odds to become the captain of the first all black squad to win the National Interscholastic Polo championship. It is an inspiring story but one that comes with many heartbreaking moments. From the time he was ten, Rosser knew he wanted to go to college and play polo. Thanks to Lezlie Hiner, who founded the Work to Ride stables and introduced him to polo, he was able to fulfill that dream. Hiner offered children an opportunity to escape the violence and poverty of their neighborhoods in exchange for riding lessons and Rosser took advantage of that. In his neighborhood children were more likely to drop out of school and go to jail than they were to finish high school and go to college. Rosser had the determination and the discipline to succeed while he was struggling to keep his family from falling apart. This is a powerful book and I highly recommend it. It should definitely be made into a movie.ing an

This book is an an instant classic - an underdog, a young poor black kid, who far surpasses anyone's expectations and succeeds as a top notch athlete in an elite sport. I loved it. You will root for each character, unfortunately much of the time you are rooting for them to just survive as much as you are rooting for them to win on the field. It is a sad story of reality - young death, drugs and missed opportunities combined with a feel good story created by an amazing woman who figured out horses and polo could change lives. I can't wait to see this as a movie one day. It will be great. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Wow, what a book. What an inspiring life from a men who had everything against him as a child and through the inspirational program, “Work to Ride,” learn discipline and the love of polo. And through the love of Polo found a whole world that taught him to strive to be the best and to never give up even when his life was the hardest. I love the affection the whole family had toward one another even when some let them down and I loved the stories of all the horses and how they encouraged the kids that went to the ranch to keep striving to do better. The book is very easy to read and it was hard putting it down when I had to go to sleep. I would love to see this as a documentary.

I loved this memoir. It was authentic and inspiring. I was introduced to the book on The Today show. As a professional horse trainer I was interested in learning more about polo, the Work To Ride program and this author. The book blew me away. Rosser’s story is dramatic but it is told in such a gracious and beautiful way, that I was left in awe of his spirit. We have a Book Club at my farm and I recommended Crossing The Line- maybe I insisted this book be our March selection. We meet in 2 weeks but the reviews so far are all raves. My 81 year old mother has deemed it one of the best books she’s read in a long time. Highly, highly recommended.