Rebound
By: Kwame Alexander
From the New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes Rebound, a dynamic novel in verse and companion to his Newbery Award-winner, The Crossover, illustrated with striking graphic novel panels.
Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. In this prequel to Newbery Medal winner The Crossover, Chuck Bell takes center stage, as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshiping, basketball star his sons look up to.
A novel in verse with all the impact and rhythm readers have come to expect from Kwame Alexander, Rebound will go back in time to visit the childhood of Chuck "Da Man" Bell during one pivotal summer when young Charlie is sent to stay with his grandparents where he discovers basketball and learns more about his family's past.
1. Although Rebound is fictional, there actually is a Charlie Bell who grew up in Flint, Michigan and played college and professional basketball. Go to his Wikipedia Page (Charlie Bell) and learn about what he's done. Print off this page (Charlie Bell Page) and fill out the information that you've learned.
2. Set in 1988, Rebound is considered a historical fiction novel-in-verse. The following are some suggested historical fiction novels-in-verse: Kaleidoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant (Vietnam War), All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg (Vietnam War), Witness by Karen Hesse (1924 Vermont), Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (1975, Fall of Saigon), Almost Forever by Maria Testa (1967-1969, Vietnam War). Choose one of these books and either find it at your library or borrow it from OverDrive. Choose your favorite poem from the book you chose and copy it on the copier or in your own handwriting and share it with me.
3. Listen to Kwame Alexander discuss Rebound in a video interview. He explains the way the rhythm of basketball mirrors the rhythm of life: “Dribble, fake, swoosh, miss.” What do you think of Alexander’s journey to publication and the ways in which his poetry and the characters he creates encourage a “say yes” attitude towards life? Write your own “say yes” lists that will serve as personal promise or reminder to take risks, try new things, and embrace the unknown. Your list can be written by hand, done in a picture form, or typed. Make a copy of this and send one to Mrs. Jack as well as save one for yourself.
By: Kwame Alexander
From the New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes Rebound, a dynamic novel in verse and companion to his Newbery Award-winner, The Crossover, illustrated with striking graphic novel panels.
Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. In this prequel to Newbery Medal winner The Crossover, Chuck Bell takes center stage, as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshiping, basketball star his sons look up to.
A novel in verse with all the impact and rhythm readers have come to expect from Kwame Alexander, Rebound will go back in time to visit the childhood of Chuck "Da Man" Bell during one pivotal summer when young Charlie is sent to stay with his grandparents where he discovers basketball and learns more about his family's past.
1. Although Rebound is fictional, there actually is a Charlie Bell who grew up in Flint, Michigan and played college and professional basketball. Go to his Wikipedia Page (Charlie Bell) and learn about what he's done. Print off this page (Charlie Bell Page) and fill out the information that you've learned.
2. Set in 1988, Rebound is considered a historical fiction novel-in-verse. The following are some suggested historical fiction novels-in-verse: Kaleidoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant (Vietnam War), All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg (Vietnam War), Witness by Karen Hesse (1924 Vermont), Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (1975, Fall of Saigon), Almost Forever by Maria Testa (1967-1969, Vietnam War). Choose one of these books and either find it at your library or borrow it from OverDrive. Choose your favorite poem from the book you chose and copy it on the copier or in your own handwriting and share it with me.
3. Listen to Kwame Alexander discuss Rebound in a video interview. He explains the way the rhythm of basketball mirrors the rhythm of life: “Dribble, fake, swoosh, miss.” What do you think of Alexander’s journey to publication and the ways in which his poetry and the characters he creates encourage a “say yes” attitude towards life? Write your own “say yes” lists that will serve as personal promise or reminder to take risks, try new things, and embrace the unknown. Your list can be written by hand, done in a picture form, or typed. Make a copy of this and send one to Mrs. Jack as well as save one for yourself.