The Crossover #0.5: Rebound written by Kwame Alexander, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Rebound" by Kwame Alexander is a poignant prequel to the Newbery Medal-winning novel "The Crossover." Set in 1988, it follows twelve-year-old Charlie Bell, who is grappling with the recent death of his father. Struggling with grief and alienation, he finds himself in trouble, leading his mother to send him to stay with his grandparents. There, Charlie's stern yet loving grandfather and his cousin Roxie, a talented basketball player, help him confront his emotions and reconnect with his love for basketball. Through poetry and comic-style illustrations, Alexander captures Charlie's journey of healing and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of family dynamics and the culture of the late 1980s. The novel explores themes of loss, recovery, and the importance of support from loved ones while showcasing Charlie's growth as he learns to navigate his sorrow and the game of basketball. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can effectively integrate "Rebound" into the curriculum by utilizing its themes to foster discussions about grief, resilience, and the importance of family and community support. Collaborating with teachers, librarians can create reading groups or book clubs where students analyze the poem's structure and themes, encouraging creative expression through their own poetry writing. Additionally, incorporating graphic novel elements, librarians can host workshops where students create their comic strips, allowing them to explore their narratives visually. The book's historical context provides an opportunity for cross-curricular connections, linking literature with social studies by discussing the cultural references from the late 1980s. By organizing events around basketball, students can engage in physical activity while discussing character development in the story. This multifaceted approach not only enriches the reading experience but also helps students connect literature to their own lives and interests.