Rebound

Kwame Alexander, Dawud Anyabwile(Illustrator)

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL and the CLIPPA

‘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.

Reviews

"Alexander effortlessly marries rap rhythms with plaintive, passionate and deceptively simple verse"
Imogen Russell Williams - Guardian

"Designed to appeal to reluctant readers, little prevents the rest of us being caught up by the comic-mad Charlie Bell"
Kitty Empire - 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."
Emily Drabble - 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."
Emily Drabble - 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."
starred review - 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."
starred review - Booklist

"Alexander’s verse maintains energy and momentum. A strong and satisfying book about grief, love and the power of family"
New York Times