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77 pages 2 hours read

Rebound

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Kwame Alexander

Rebound

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Washington, D.C. • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

Rebound by Kwame Alexander is a coming-of-age story that follows Charlie "Chuck" Bell, who uses basketball to find his power and agency after the sudden death of his father. Amid strained relationships and negative influences, a summer with his grandparents helps him reconnect with his father's memory, develop positive habits, and prepare for his future as a father himself in The Crossover. The book includes depictions of death and incarceration.

Emotional

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.6

14,777 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Rebound by Kwame Alexander garners acclaim for its vibrant verse, capturing the struggles and growth of a young basketball enthusiast. Reviewers praise its engaging language, relatable protagonist, and emotional depth. Critiques mostly highlight its pacing issues and predictability. However, overall, it's considered a heartfelt and inspirational read suitable for both teens and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rebound?

Readers who enjoy Rebound by Kwame Alexander are typically middle-grade to young adult readers who appreciate dynamic, sports-themed narratives filled with heartfelt poetry and lyrical prose. Fans of books like The Crossover by Kwame Alexander and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas will find this novel engaging and inspiring.

4.6

14,777 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Charlie “Chuck” Bell

A 12-year-old boy navigating grief and life's challenges after losing his father, Charlie is impressionable but grows from his experiences and relationships with family and friends.

One of Charlie’s best friends, Skinny is enthusiastic and somewhat reckless, often referencing 1980s pop culture and getting Charlie into tricky situations.

Charlie’s best friend and romantic interest, CJ is intelligent and supportive, helping Charlie cope with grief and encouraging open communication.

Charlie’s cousin who is athletic and competitive, Roxie serves as a mentor in basketball, helping Charlie find purpose and encouraging hard work.

Charlie’s mother is a nurturing figure who, while dealing with her grief, struggles to connect with Charlie, ultimately seeking space to help them both heal.

Charlie’s grandfather, a hardworking and supportive mentor who uses sports analogies and humor to guide Charlie through challenges.

Charlie’s grandmother provides emotional support and affection, creating a safe space for Charlie to process his feelings.

Though deceased before the story begins, Charlie’s father is an idolized figure whose memory and values continue to influence Charlie and his family.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Washington, D.C. • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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