This is a review of the ARC.The first poem in Rebound is a lovely series off fleeting, non-rhyming couplets that capture a time, a place, a memory. I pulled the book to my chest. "This is it," I thought.The second poem in Rebound captured the manic, frenetic energy of Alexander's masterful The Crossover: it was all sound and feeling, energy and zip, breathlessly exciting poetry. I pulled the book to my chest. "I want to savor this," I thought.Then I got to the first comic, which, in the ARC, is

First of all, the good:- Another book that looks and sounds like The Crossover is alright with me.- Roxie should have her own story!- I enjoyed seeing Chuck and CJ's relationship blossom. - The addition of some graphic story panels is awesome and really fitting of Chuck's voice.- Chuck's grandfather drops more wisdom than I could keep track of. I earmarked his conversation with Chuck after Chuck's run-in with the police. The conversation about surrounding yourself with good teammates. So good!-

I read this to see if Owen would like it. I think he will. It's tough to find things for him to read right now. The writing style is fun to follow, and the quick chapters keep the story moving. We will see what he thinks. Very appropriate story for middle schoolers.

I'm not going to say anything about this book until you've had a chance to read it. But, I can tell you this. . .I am so happy. . .like so many of you. . .to get in on the "ground floor" with Kwame Alexander. Reading those first books of a shining star of literature for young people. REBOUND is special. And it hits every post a prequel should hit. Oh. I've said too much.

My goodness, does Kwame Alexander know how to write. I could not put this down, even with tears streaming down my face. I cannot wait to share this one with my students. They are all big fans of his work, and I know this is no exception.

Operation diversify my reading for 2020 is underway. I am easing back into fiction reading and who better to start with than acclaimed children’s and young adult writer Kwame Alexander. He has a Midas touch and is able to go back and forth between age groups effortlessly. I’m not sure if a children’s author would qualify, but Alexander gets my vote as a future poet laureate; his work of poetry is that good, and even better that it encourages middle school and high school students to enjoy readin...

I loved reading Rebound. Especially the ending. And his grandpa. Love him fiercely.And the comics (poetry slam in comics!!!!!)And the corny jokes -- burst out laughing in several places (too much sax & violins!)But really, the power of metaphor to open your heart. For all of us when we feel storm-beaten and shattered, how we can hold onto hope. Thank you.

It was really good and you really got to connect with the characters and it is cool reading it if you have read the crossover because you can connect the characters and stuff they talk about.

The way this story stands on its own while beautifully weaving into The Crossover is genius.

I didn’t think this was possible, but I love this even more than The Crossover. This prequel is expertly written as it makes you forget what you know is coming, but is also so very satisfying as it puts some bows on some answers.The writing is phenomenal, but the characters are even better. I love every, single one..yes, Charlie/Chuck, mom, CJ are all amazing, but the grandparents stole the show for me. Granddad is sassy and sweet and tender and tough. You’ll love it.

This book was really amazing, it is the sequel to the book crossover. This book is about Joshes, and JB's dad when he was twelve years old. There dad's name is Charles and his mom made him go to Washington for summer because she thought that it would be good for him since his dad recently passed away. He stayed with his grandparents where his cousin Roxie taught him how to play basketball. I would recommend this book to anyone who like poetry and basketball. It's about 400 pages and if you sit d...

This book has an amazing ending. TOTALLY 4 stars!!!!!!!

I finally realized after reading the first couple of pages that the storyline was going to revolve around the father of the main characters of Crossover! Charlie, (their father), at first didn't seem like a basketball player, more or less a nerd. He loved reading comics and always hanged out with his friends. It isn't until Charlie goes to his grandparents and truly starts playing the game of basketball. The author of both these books likes to show the theme coming-of-age, where there are traged...

My heeeeaaaarrrtttt. Y'all know I love The Crossover (for obvious reasons!). This companion book takes a step into the past, telling the story of Josh and JB's dad when he was a middle-schooler. Reeling from the sudden loss of his father, Charlie Bell is struggling. His mom's unable to reach him and afraid that he's going to end up in trouble, so she sends him to spend the summer with his grandparents in Washington DC. There, Charlie gets to know his family and, against his better judgment, star...

I hope Alexander continues writing novels in verse that revolve around sports and coming-of-age. I love the way he can intertwine the two and make it relatable (to my younger self).

You know, Chuck,he says.You’re not always gonna swish....You gonna miss some.Heck, you gonna miss a lot.That’s the way the real world works.But you gotta grab the ball andkeep shooting. You understand?Yessir.I tell you what, though,you’ll make a lot morethan you miss ifyou’re not always going forthe flashand flair.Try usingthe backboard, son.You got me.You got your grandmother.You got Roxie.You got your mother.You got all of us,remember that!•••Kwame “Da Man” Alexander has done it again with his...

Thanks to HMH Kids for the advance copy of this book for review - all opinions are my own. I adore THE CROSSOVER, as do my students, and this prequel is just as wonderful. While it technically could be read as a stand alone, this story is so much more meaningful when read with the context of Chuck Bell as the basketball star father from THE CROSSOVER. I highly recommend this stellar novel in verse for purchase in all middle grade libraries - I will be purchasing for both my elementary and middle...

OMG. I'm in love with this.

It was a good read.

There are verse novels, and then there are verse novels written by Kwame Alexander. I was at a speaking event of Alexander's when I found out his next book was a prequel to The Crossover, and I may or may not have squealed like a fangirl. Rebound has the same rhythm, the same flow, the same punch in the gut--and even though it takes place three decades ago, Chuck's story will be just as relatable and accessible to my students.I felt quite emotional reading this one--probably because 1) Like Chuc...