Rebound
Age 11+
Family Break-Up Sporting Stories, Personal & Social Issues: Death & Bereavement Personal & Social Issues: Self-Awareness & Self-Esteem Personal & Social Issues: Divorce, Separation
LONGLISTED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL
‘Hoop kings SOAR
in kicks with wings.
Game so sweet
it’s like bee stings.’
It's 1988. Charlie Bell is still mourning his father, and struggling to figure out how he feels for his best (girl) friend, CJ. When he gets into trouble one too many times, he's packed off to stay with his grandparents for the summer. There his cousin Roxie introduces him to a whole new world: basketball. A legend on the courts is born. But can Charlie resist when trouble comes knocking once again?
From the New York Times-bestselling author Kwame Alexander, Rebound is a stunning coming-of-age novel in verse about basketball, family and staying true to yourself.
A prequel to The Crossover, winner of the Newbery Medal, and follow-up to Booked, highly commended for the CLiPPA prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
With comic-book illustrations from award-winning graphic novel artist Dawud Anyabwile.
Creators
Kwame Alexander (Author)
Kwame Alexander is a poet, children's book author, playwright, producer, public speaker, performer, and winner of the Newbery Medal for his novel-in-verse, The Crossover. He conducts creative writing workshops in middle and high schools, often reaching more than five hundred students monthly. He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Washington, D.C., area. Visit his website at www.kwamealexander.com.
Dawud Anyabwile (Illustrator)
Dawud Anyabwile is an Emmy award-winning artist, illustrator and co-creator of the comic book series, Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline. He has worked for Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon as a character designer and storyboard artist, and as an illustrator for several publishers. When Dawud is not working on his illustrations, he is busy volunteering and teaching art classes.
Reviews
Alexander effortlessly marries rap rhythms with plaintive, passionate and deceptively simple verse
Guardian
Designed to appeal to reluctant readers, little prevents the rest of us being caught up by the comic-mad Charlie Bell
Observer
Alexander manages to distill huge emotions into punchy poems that leap off the page. Interspersed throughout with vibrant comic strips drawn by Dawud Anyabwile, this is an energetic and dynamic story that is full of heart.
Scotsman
The poetry grabs you and just won’t let you go, everyone must read this book.
Books For Keeps - Books of the Year 2018
Interspersed with amazing ‘comic-strip’ illustrations… The rhythm and pace of this verse novel pulls readers aged 11+ into Charlie’s world.
Best New Children's Books Guide, produced by the Publishers' Association and published in the Guardian 2018
Rebound is funny, moving and full of great ideas on how to live your life – and almost impossible not to read in one sitting.
BookTrust
Once again, Alexander has given readers an African-American protagonist to cheer. He is surrounded by a strong supporting cast, especially two brilliant female characters. The novel in verse is enhanced by Anyabwile’s art, which reinforces Charlie’s love for comics. An eminently satisfying story of family, recovery, and growing into manhood.
Kirkus
The sad, funny poems, dialogues and beautiful snatches of comic-strip illustrations will make readers laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time.
Inis Reading Guide
The plot, as rich and satisfying as it is, is outdazzled by the brilliance of wordplay and syntax. Librarians who delighted at The Crossover’s popularity will be thrilled with this pitch-perfect follow-up. Alexander is unstoppable, and his fans will be too. Have extra copies at the ready.
Booklist
Alexander’s verse maintains energy and momentum. A strong and satisfying book about grief, love and the power of family
New York Times
…funny, moving and full of great ideas on how to live your life.
Books For Keeps
A paean of praise to the redeeming power of family and friendship… both moving and exhilarating, even for those who have no love of basketball
Books for Keeps
