Rebound

Description

From the New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes Rebound, the dynamic prequel to his Newbery Award–winning novel in verse, The Crossover.

Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. Chuck Bell takes center stage as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshiping, basketball star his sons look up to.

A novel in verse with all the impact and rhythm readers have come to expect from Kwame Alexander, Rebound goes back in time to visit the childhood of Chuck "Da Man" Bell during one pivotal summer when young Charlie is sent to stay with his grandparents where he discovers basketball and learns more about his family's past.

This prequel to the Newbery Medal- and Coretta Scott King Award-winning The Crossover scores.

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Also in this Series

  • El crossover (Crossover (Kwame Alexander) Volume 1) Cover
  • Booked (Crossover (Kwame Alexander) Volume 2) Cover
  • Rebound (Crossover (Kwame Alexander) Volume Prequel) Cover

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Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
In both of these candid, character-driven, own voices series, athletic African American teens experience trials and triumphs on and off the court (Crossover) and the running track (Track). The Track books are traditional novels, while the Crossover books are novels in verse. -- Summer Edward
Both series combine basketball court action with characters kids can really care about. Crossover is a family story written in verse; Streetball Crew is in prose and adds a mystery element. -- Autumn Winters
These series have the genre "sports fiction"; the subjects "child basketball players," "basketball," and "children of divorced parents"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These series have the genres "african american fiction" and "sports fiction"; the subjects "child basketball players," "african americans," and "basketball"; and include the identity "black."
These series have the appeal factors emotionally intense and hopeful, and they have the genres "african american fiction" and "novels in verse"; the subjects "african americans," "fathers and sons," and "bullies and bullying"; and include the identity "black."
These series have the appeal factors angst-filled and first person narratives, and they have the genres "realistic fiction" and "sports fiction"; and the subjects "child basketball players," "twin brothers," and "basketball."
These series have the appeal factors own voices, and they have the genre "sports fiction"; and the subjects "child basketball players," "boys," and "north american people."
These series have the appeal factors emotionally intense and own voices, and they have the genres "african american fiction" and "realistic fiction"; the subjects "african americans" and "siblings"; and include the identity "black."
These series have the appeal factors own voices and first person narratives, and they have the genres "african american fiction" and "realistic fiction"; the subjects "african americans," "children of divorced parents," and "blended families"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the genres "sports fiction" and "realistic fiction"; the subjects "child basketball players," "basketball," and "basketball teams"; and include the identity "black."
These books have the appeal factors moving, character-driven, and first person narratives, and they have the genres "realistic fiction" and "african american fiction"; the subject "north american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
NoveList recommends "Streetball crew" for fans of "Crossover (Kwame Alexander)". Check out the first book in the series.
Both propulsive books combine believable characters with plenty of fast-moving sports action. Relationships between fathers and sons are at issue in each -- Ghost's dad shot at him and his mother, while Charlie's father has recently passed away. -- Autumn Winters
These books have the appeal factors emotionally intense, and they have the genres "realistic fiction" and "novels in verse"; the subjects "child basketball players," "grandparents," and "basketball"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These books have the appeal factors own voices and first person narratives, and they have the genres "realistic fiction" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "african americans," "american people," and "north american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These books have the theme "trouble at home"; the genres "realistic fiction" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "african americans," "fathers and sons," and "grandparents"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
Taking up new sports is a balm for the kids in these compelling novels written in high-interest formats. Novel-in-verse Rebound concerns familial grief, while graphic novel Roller Girl centers on a rift between former best friends. -- Autumn Winters
These books have the appeal factors moving, emotionally intense, and thoughtful, and they have the genres "realistic fiction" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "african americans," "grandparents," and "north american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These books have the appeal factors emotionally intense and first person narratives, and they have the genres "realistic fiction" and "novels in verse"; the subjects "african americans," "american people," and "north american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters," "sympathetic characters," and "introspective characters."
These books have the appeal factors own voices and first person narratives, and they have the genre "african american fiction"; the subjects "african americans," "american people," and "north american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
In these moving own voices books, twelve-year-old protagonists deal with the grief over their fathers' deaths through the support of strong communities and their newfound exploration of their chosen sports. Rebound is told in verse; Bump is in prose. -- Alicia Evans

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Renowned poets Benjamin Zephaniah and Kwame Alexander write moving, musically inspired stories for young people. Their lyrical, character-driven books star culturally diverse young protagonists who face a variety of disadvantages but ultimately overcome adversity. -- Catherine Coles
Although Mike Lupica makes sports his subject a bit more often than Kwame Alexander, both pen action-packed sports fiction for middle schoolers starring authentic characters kids can care about. -- Autumn Winters
These authors are known for their witty, thought-provoking work across many genres and age groups. They both write inventive picture and chapter books for young readers as well as lyrical memoirs for adults. -- CJ Connor
These authors' works have the appeal factors emotionally intense, and they have the genres "african american fiction" and "poetry"; the subjects "african americans," "fathers and sons," and "bullies and bullying"; illustrations that are "colorful illustrations"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors emotionally intense and angst-filled, and they have the genre "african american fiction"; the subjects "african americans," "schools," and "preteen boys"; and include the identity "black."
These authors' works have the appeal factors emotionally intense, and they have the subjects "african americans," "preteen boys," and "middle schools."
These authors' works have the subjects "african americans," "fathers and sons," and "middle schools"; and characters that are "authentic characters."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* It's the end of the school year in 1988, and Charlie Bell is flattened by the death of his father. Charlie tries to hide in the pages of his comic book collection, much to his mother's despair. Finally she ships him off to stay with his grandparents for the summer. At first it's just a fresh form of misery, as Charlie's acidic grandfather goads him into physical activity in the stifling heat. Then his cousin Roxie coaxes him onto the basketball court. It's the combination of family, friends, and mad new skills that finally help Charlie begin to rebound from his father's death. Charlie Bell is the father of twins Jordan and Josh Bell, stars of Alexander's Newbery Medal-winning novel Crossover (2014). Fans of Crossover will remember that Chuck Da Man Bell played professional basketball, and they'll be intrigued by his initial resistance to learning the game. But this is an Alexander production, so the plot, as rich and satisfying as it is, is outdazzled by the brilliance of wordplay and syntax. There is a rhythm to each page, whether it's the snappy give-and-take of dialogue, the throbbing of Charlie's bottomless melancholy, or the rushing excitement of a basketball game. In addition, comics-style illustrations by Emmy-­winning artist Anyabwile bring Charlie's fantasies of basketball glory to life. Librarians who delighted at Crossover's popularity will be thrilled with this pitch-perfect follow-up. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Alexander is unstoppable, and his fans will be too. Have extra copies at the ready.--Colson, Diane Copyright 2018 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-7-After losing his father to a heart attack, Chuck Bell is having a hard time coming to terms with his loss. When he and his mom have a big argument, she sends him to live with his grandparents, whom he barely knows, for the summer. Grandpa is a little old school, but has a good heart. Grandma is the peacemaker. Narrator Ron Butler brings Chuck's world to life with his unique intonations and narrative pacing. He easily navigates the rhythm of the verse and helps listeners relate to Chuck. The characters are well developed, interesting, and realistic. The non-rhyming verse is catchy and engaging. VERDICT Fans of realistic fiction, family stories, and sports will enjoy listening to this audiobook. Recommended for any library collection.-Kira Moody, Salt Lake County Library Services © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

In this prequel to Alexanders Newbery Medalwinning The Crossover (rev. 5/14), its the summer of 1988, and twelve-year-old Charlie Bell would rather roller-skate with his two best friends or escape into the pages of his beloved Fantastic Four comics than confront the hole in his life created by the sudden death of his father. While spending the summer with his grandparents outside of Washington, DC, Charlie makes mistakes, rediscovers his extended family, and finds solace on the basketball court. Readers of The Crossover will be instantly drawn in to this origin story of protagonists Josh and JBs father, Chuck Da Man Bell. A story filled with preteen angst, peer pressure, realistic family dynamics, and first romance is elevated to uncommon heights by a visceral exploration of grief and a search for confidence that pays off in spectacular ways. The narrative is propelled by the staccato rhythmic poetry with which readers of Alexanders previous middle-grade books are familiar. The poetry shines, especially when it brings readers into Charlies inner narrative: Sometimes, I wish / I were a superhero / so I could fight back / against all the / doom / and the gloom / thats trying / to destroy / me. Anyabwiles occasional full-page or double-page-spread comics explode off the page, providing paneled visualizations for many of the energetic poems featuring fast-paced basketball action. A coda set thirty years later written by Chuck to his twin sons Josh and JB is a poignant and eloquent summation of the themes and events of this excellent novel. eric carpenter (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

In this prequel to Newbery Award-winning The Crossover (2014), Alexander revisits previous themes and formats while exploring new ones.For Charlie Bell, the future father of The Crossover's Jordan and Josh, his father's death alters his relationship with his mother and causes him to avoid what reminds him of his dad. At first, he's just withdrawn, but after he steals from a neighbor, his mother packs a reluctant Charlie off to his grandparents near Washington, D.C., for the summer. His grandfather works part-time at a Boys and Girls Club where his cousin Roxie is a star basketball player. Despite his protests, she draws him into the game. His time with his grandparents deepens Charlie's understanding of his father, and he begins to heal. "I feel / a little more normal, / like maybe he's still here, / in a / as long as I remember him / he's still right here / in my heart / kind of way." 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, his friend CJ and his cousin Roxie, as well as his feisty and wise granddaddy. Music and cultural references from the late 1980s add authenticity. 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. (Historical verse fiction. 10-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* It's the end of the school year in 1988, and Charlie Bell is flattened by the death of his father. Charlie tries to hide in the pages of his comic book collection, much to his mother's despair. Finally she ships him off to stay with his grandparents for the summer. At first it's just a fresh form of misery, as Charlie's acidic grandfather goads him into physical activity in the stifling heat. Then his cousin Roxie coaxes him onto the basketball court. It's the combination of family, friends, and mad new skills that finally help Charlie begin to rebound from his father's death. Charlie Bell is the father of twins Jordan and Josh Bell, stars of Alexander's Newbery Medal–winning novel Crossover (2014). Fans of Crossover will remember that Chuck "Da Man" Bell played professional basketball, and they'll be intrigued by his initial resistance to learning the game. But this is an Alexander production, so the plot, as rich and satisfying as it is, is outdazzled by the brilliance of wordplay and syntax. There is a rhythm to each page, whether it's the snappy give-and-take of dialogue, the throbbing of Charlie's bottomless melancholy, or the rushing excitement of a basketball game. In addition, comics-style illustrations by Emmy-­winning artist Anyabwile bring Charlie's fantasies of basketball glory to life. Librarians who delighted at Crossover's popularity will be thrilled with this pitch-perfect follow-up. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Alexander is unstoppable, and his fans will be too. Have extra copies at the ready. Grades 6-9. Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.
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PW Annex Reviews

This prequel to Alexander's Newbery Medal winner, The Crossover (2014), provides the backstory of twins Josh and Jordan Bell's father, Chuck "Da Man" Bell, a basketball star who died young. Set in 1988, the novel-in-verse follows Chuck, who is acting out as he mourns the premature death of his own father. His mother's solution is to send him to spend the summer at his paternal grandparents' home, where he endures his grandfather's tough love and his cousin Roxie's superior skills as a baller. Alexander's non-rhyming poetry has propulsive, hard-hitting rhythm. A few poems are cast in graphic novel-style panels, which serve as nice breaks among the poems and illustrate how Chuck, a comic book lover, imagines himself. Adults may get more of a kick out of the references to 1980s pop culture (Members Only jackets, Now and Later candy) than the target audience, but the multilayered coming-of-age story should resonate with young readers. While this companion novel works as a standalone, those who have read the first book will have a richer experience. Ages 10-12. Agent: Arielle Eckstut, Levine, Greenberg, Rostan Literary Agency. (Apr.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly Annex.

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly Annex.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 6 Up—In this prequel/companion to the acclaimed The Crossover, readers meet a young Charlie Bell, father of the twins from the first book. It's 1988, and Charlie just lost his dad to a heart attack. Suppressing his grief and alienating himself from his concerned mother, Charlie gets in trouble, which results in him spending the summer with his paternal grandparents. Granddaddy is a no-nonsense, jazz-loving man, who quickly puts "Chuck" in his place and demands that the sullen teenager help out around the house and spend time with his cousin Roxie shooting hoops. Not a natural baller, Chuck gets schooled by Roxie and slowly improves his game. With firm but loving support from his family and friends, he learns to refocus and get in touch with his emotions. In a high-stakes tournament, Roxie and Chuck learn that "it's okay/to be down/and upset/as long as/you're not down/and out." As in his previous novels in verse, Alexander shows off his expert command of the format, employing staccato breaks with smooth rhymes that mimic the bounce and flow of the sport. Interspersed are several comic panels illustrated by Anyabwile, which serve as fantastical imaginings—Chuck Bell dominating on the court like a superhero from his favorite comic books. As Chuck works his way through deep grief and deals with the consequences of some bad decisions, his voice is always fresh and compelling; Alexander's poetry is buoyant and optimistic. VERDICT Fans of The Crossover will delight in learning the origin tale of Josh and JB's dad, while new readers can comfortably jump right into the game.—Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.
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