Marsha Says... Read this!

REBOUND by Bob Krech, 2006, 271 pages

At Raymond Wisniewski’s high school, it’s traditional for the Polish kids to turn out for wrestling and the black kids to play basketball. For the past two years, Ray has tried out for the basketball team, only to get cut by Coach Malovic, even when it appears that Ray is the better player. Pruze, a superstar transfer student from Chicago suggests that Ray play in the summer leagues before senior year to get in condition and show Malovic what he’s capable of.

Here, Ray meets some exceptional ball players, including Robert, an arrogant kid who either taunts Ray or ignores him. At home, Ray’s mother expresses concern that he’s hanging out with black players. Even Ray’s best friend, Walter, makes bigoted remarks about Ray’s teammates. At times, it seems as if everyone is prejudiced in some way.

But Ray is determined to play varsity basketball his senior year and at tryouts, is delighted to meet the new coach, Mr. Thomas, who is black, but fair about who gets to play. 

When Ray makes the team, his troubles just begin. As the newcomer, there is resentment about Ray taking Rudy’s place. Rudy’s anger provokes taunts and racial slurs toward Ray during the games, which Walter answers with equally bigoted chants.

Violence erupts at school and Ray is forced to choose between his neighbors, his teammates and hate-mongers from both racial communities. Prejudice comes in many forms and Ray is shocked to discover that the label of “bigot” is easily flung, but not so easily defended. 

REBOUND is Krech’s first novel and deftly brings to life the community of a Polish family and neighbors, their beliefs and fears. His protagonist finds that skill on a basketball court is not always enough to win, be it trust, friendship or a basketball game.

This book is recommended for teens in grades 9-12.

--Reviewed by Marsha Bates, Mid-Columbia Libraries