Alexander, K. (2007). Rebound. Antheneum Books for Young Readers.
Summary
Journey into the life of Chuck/Charlie Bell, father of Josh and Jordan in this prequel book of verse and graphics. Visiting his days in middle school, Charlie is forced to deal with the loss of his father by being sent to live with his grandparents. It's here that Charlie reluctantly starts playing basketball. It is here that he starts to become the man that Josh and JB love in the Crossover books. With this glimpse into the family's past, readers who loved both of the Crossover books will be thrilled with another set of graphic novel type sketches and poems that are full of the emotion of the moment. Set in the 1980s, Chuck/Charlie Bell learns what matters in this .5 Crossover novel.
A Teacher's Perspective
What I love most, which, I feel like I keep saying, is that this book isn't just a "basketball novel." No, in fact, this book is a graphic novel, book of verse, coming of age, love of life, learning who I am kind of basketball novel.
This book should be on every middle and high school teacher's shelf, should be in every library, and should be promoted. It will show students that a "basketball" book isn't always prose. A "basketball" book can be more. I would recommend this to boys and girls alike, but definitely would use bits of it in a poetry unit. Alexander's style is so unique and full of expression that I could spend days on syntax alone.
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