Rebound
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The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that New York Times best-seller Rebound is a stand-alone prequel to Kwame Alexander's Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor Book The Crossover. This powerful novel in verse is set in the late 1980s and focuses on the childhood experiences of Chuck, who will grow up to become the beloved dad of The Crossover's Jordan and Josh. It deals with the death of a parent and grief along with normal teen-growth drama. Parents should be prepared to discuss coping with loss and feelings, as well as choosing the right people to allow in your life.
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What's the story?
Twelve year old Chuck Bell may never REBOUND. After losing his dad, he's a ship without an anchor, drifting through life angry, sad, and lost. Then his mom ships him off to live with his grandparents for the summer, where he's forced to listen to jazz, work, and play basketball -- a game he sucks at -- with his cousin Roxie. Just when Chuck is certain life will never be good again, he learns that it's all about taking your shot when you can.
Is it any good?
This sweet, surprising, gut-wrenchingly powerful novel in verse moves to the beat of life. It's a slice of life captured in words that have the ability to jump, slam, and slide across the page. Accompanied by powerful graphic novel sections illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile, Rebound lets us get to know the wonderful kid who grew up to became Josh and Jordan's beloved dad from The Crossover. It has laugh-out-loud moments and moments when Chuck and his family's tender vulnerability is hard to witness. Both boys and girls will love this prequel's realism, and adults will love the poetry experience and positive messages.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about journaling and the role it plays in Rebound. Have you ever journaled before? How did it help you with your feelings? How do you think it helps the twins cope with their own feelings after getting their dad's journal?
How does Chuck's choice in who he hangs out with affect him? Have you ever gotten in trouble because of a friend or associate? How did it make you feel?
How do sports help Chuck cope with everything going on in his life? Does exercise help you think and deal better with stress?
Book details
- Author: Kwame Alexander
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: April 2, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 12
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love stories of grief and coming-of-age
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