Rebound

Charlie uses escapism to navigate the loss of his father, both by reading comics and playing basketball. How does escapism shape Charlie’s healing, impacting him both positively and negatively?

The young boys are obsessed with having Air Jordans tennis shoes. What do these shoes represent to Skinny and Charlie?

Rebound takes place in the 1980s. What role does 1980s American culture play in Charlie’s life? Consider music, basketball, superheroes, and fashion.

Compare and contrast the influence that Skinny and CJ have on Charlie, noting how their influence impacts his decisions across the text.

Charlie is close with two girls: CJ and Roxie. How does each character conform to or subvert adolescent female gender norms? How does this contribute to the larger meaning of the text?

Charlie’s grandmother and grandfather approach helping him through his grief differently. Compare and contrast their different approaches, noting how each approach helps him through his trauma.

Alexander uses Percy as a positive role model for Charlie. Take one piece of advice Percy gives and discuss how it impacts Charlie.

Alexander collaborated with Dawud Anyabwile to incorporate comic-style illustrations throughout the text. How do the comics contribute to the work’s themes?