Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
Get ready to dribble your way through heartache and slam dunk your soul back to life! "Rebound" by Kwame Alexander takes us to 1988, weaving the highs and lows of life on and off the basketball court. When twelve-year-old Charlie Bell loses his father, his world crumbles like a deflated basketball. Charlie's grieving heart can't find its rhythm. Frustration and sadness lead him into trouble, leaving his mother no choice but to send him to his grandparents' home for the summer. There, in the land of tough love and timeless wisdom, Charlie meets his cousin Roxie, a basketball prodigy who knows the key to flying is first learning how to fall.
Summer, however, is not just about fast breaks and alley-oops; it's about comic books and first crushes, enduring hardships and soaring triumphs. It's about finding family in unexpected places, like the neighborhood characters who make you laugh, teach you lessons, and even break your heart. But most importantly, it's about learning the power of the rebound—how to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and slam life's challenges right back. Kwame Alexander masterfully crafts a tale written in free verse and dotted with comic book interludes, creating a beautiful narrative that speaks to resilience, family, and the transformative power of sport.
Date Published: April 2, 2018
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Fiction
Young Adult
Sports Fiction
Coming-of-Age
Verse Novel
Charlie Bell: A twelve-year-old grieving his father’s loss, yearns for normality but finds strength through basketball and family. Values the concept of resilience, evidenced when he decides to rebound from his emotional setbacks.
Roxie: Charlie’s cousin, a basketball prodigy who’s tough on the surface but loving at the core. She values hard work, as shown by her relentless training and supportive mentorship of Charlie.
Grandma and Granddaddy: Charlie’s grandparents, the epitome of tough love and wisdom. Value family and heritage, seen when they take Charlie in and guide him back on the right path.
Grief and Loss: The emptiness Charlie feels without his father symbolizes the struggle many face when dealing with loss.
Resilience: Illustrated through Charlie’s journey from a broken boy to a young man ready to face life’s challenges.
Family: The importance of family shines through in the strength and support Charlie gains from his grandparents and cousin.
Transformation and Growth: From rebellious acts to mature decisions, Charlie’s character evolves, epitomizing the coming-of-age journey.
The Power of Sport: Basketball serves as more than a game; it becomes a coping mechanism, a form of expression, and a path toward self-discovery for Charlie.
