LoveReading Says
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2019
A dynamic slam-dunk of a book in which a boy lost in grief begins to find his feet on the basketball court. Slickly blending stirring verse-form storytelling with ingenious jump-off-the-page comic strip illustrations, this is a poignant, powerful page-turner that will find fans among a broad range of reading levels in the 12+ age group.
It's 1988 and Charlie Bell (Chuck to his Granddaddy) feels utterly isolated by grief after losing his dad. And, since he can’t seem to stay out of trouble either, his despairing mom leaves him with Grandma and Granddaddy for the whole hot summer. There Chuck discovers an affinity with basketball through his cousin Roxie, but when a friend from back home says he can help Chuck get hold of a pair of genuine Jordan sneakers at a discount, the ensuing chain of events could land him in serious trouble.
Though this is a prequel to the author’s Newbury Medal winning The Crossover, it can be read and relished as a standalone novel (for those who have read The Crossover, Chuck is Josh and Jordan’s dad). This is a joyous parade of poetry that packs incredible emotional depth. The language soars and sings, and the vibrant interspersed comic strips by Dawud Anyabile enhance the immersive experience with panache.
Joanne Owen
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Rebound Synopsis
`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 like the Fresh Prince 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.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781783447206 |
| Publication date: |
5th April 2018 |
| Author: |
Kwame Alexander |
| Publisher: |
Andersen Press Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
414 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Young Adult Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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Kwame Alexander Press 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
