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Rebound
Prejudice can be defined in many ways as Ray finds out when he crosses the line as a white Polish-American boy who wants to play on his high school's black basketball team.
- GenresSportsYoung AdultFiction
271 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
23 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 28, 2019
Bob Krech’s Rebound takes you through a story form main character Ray’s perspective. Ray is white living in a predominantly black town in New Jersey. He loves the game of basketball, but in that town it is rare and sort of unheard of for white kids to be playing basketball. Although he gets cut from his school team his junior year he follows his goals and makes it his senior year. Through the course of the season he fights adversity and Krech highlights things like adversity and racism while involving tons of basketball. I liked this book because I love reading books with intense play by play action in sports.
January 3, 2018
this book is awesome
October 14, 2014
In this story the main Character gains faith,confidence,and bravery.
To begin with this story,Raymond who lives in a diverse racial neighborhood in New Jersey,was a Jr in high school.Ray was cut from his high school basketball team the last two years.Having parents that are racist Ray really never got to associate with black kids from his school.Ray was moved to a alternative school,after cursing at a teacher.At Hillside Academy there was nothing but black kids,knowing that his parents would not approve,he hangs around with a black girl named Susan.One day he decides to make a huge decision,he decides to invite two of his friends to play basketball at his house.His friends hide every ten minutes because his dad passes by in a garbage truck.
Four weeks later basketball tryouts were held.Ray was the first one to get out of the locker room.He and two kids Jake,and Alejandro were the only Hispanics there. Out of 37 kids Ray and Alejandro make the team,even though Jake did not make it he was team manager.A quote stood out to me it was "It looked like every black kid in the school was going out for the team then there was me and two other light skin kids,me long nose,sandy brown hair,and a cowlick that wont stay down".This quote stands out to me because it makes me realize all people are equal it does not matter people want to make fun of a different race, difference does not change people, its the personality that makes people different.
My opinion of this book is that its makes sense in some ways but does not in other ways.For example,Rays father came home from work early that day when he had his friends over. If his dad was a real racist man he would have screamed or even hit his son but instead he just had a talk with him.Rays dad wanted his son to know that if he wanted to hang around with black people he could,just not in front of him though,and did not want them within 50 feet of the house.
So Rays first game came he scored 18 points out of 58 all of the black kids do not like Ray because they think he is a show off,not Susan she thought he was real cute. So one day at practice Ray does not show up. His father took him to a NBA game to show Ray how to play.A quote stood out to me then "I tell my dad their no different from us". Who's they i wonder?
So eventually one day his father approves Susan and Rays friends. Ray makes it in life and becomes a NBA star, and makes a speech " I miss them, I need them" Who's them?
In conclusion i'd recommend this book to people who love the sport basketball'and has home difficulties. My name is Jorge I told you All about my book cant wait to hear about yours.
To begin with this story,Raymond who lives in a diverse racial neighborhood in New Jersey,was a Jr in high school.Ray was cut from his high school basketball team the last two years.Having parents that are racist Ray really never got to associate with black kids from his school.Ray was moved to a alternative school,after cursing at a teacher.At Hillside Academy there was nothing but black kids,knowing that his parents would not approve,he hangs around with a black girl named Susan.One day he decides to make a huge decision,he decides to invite two of his friends to play basketball at his house.His friends hide every ten minutes because his dad passes by in a garbage truck.
Four weeks later basketball tryouts were held.Ray was the first one to get out of the locker room.He and two kids Jake,and Alejandro were the only Hispanics there. Out of 37 kids Ray and Alejandro make the team,even though Jake did not make it he was team manager.A quote stood out to me it was "It looked like every black kid in the school was going out for the team then there was me and two other light skin kids,me long nose,sandy brown hair,and a cowlick that wont stay down".This quote stands out to me because it makes me realize all people are equal it does not matter people want to make fun of a different race, difference does not change people, its the personality that makes people different.
My opinion of this book is that its makes sense in some ways but does not in other ways.For example,Rays father came home from work early that day when he had his friends over. If his dad was a real racist man he would have screamed or even hit his son but instead he just had a talk with him.Rays dad wanted his son to know that if he wanted to hang around with black people he could,just not in front of him though,and did not want them within 50 feet of the house.
So Rays first game came he scored 18 points out of 58 all of the black kids do not like Ray because they think he is a show off,not Susan she thought he was real cute. So one day at practice Ray does not show up. His father took him to a NBA game to show Ray how to play.A quote stood out to me then "I tell my dad their no different from us". Who's they i wonder?
So eventually one day his father approves Susan and Rays friends. Ray makes it in life and becomes a NBA star, and makes a speech " I miss them, I need them" Who's them?
In conclusion i'd recommend this book to people who love the sport basketball'and has home difficulties. My name is Jorge I told you All about my book cant wait to hear about yours.
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Ray Wisniewski is growing up in the Polish-American town of Greenville, New Jersey. His game is basketball, but he is in the minority. All the black kids play basketball. Ray's supposed to be into wrestling like the white kids.
Basketball - Ray lives and breathes basketball. He plays pick-up games and organized ball, whatever kind of game he can rustle up. His only disappointment is that he has never been able to make the varsity team. He tries out and plays his best, but Coach Malovic never picks him. Finally, during Ray's senior year a new coach is hired, and Ray is suddenly one of the starting five.
Another surprise is the attention Ray is getting from the cutest and most popular girl in school, Stacy. He never considered even talking to her -- much less dating her -- but his luck is changing. It isn't until his first date with Stacy that Ray begins to realize that some people are bothered by the fact that he has perhaps crossed some sort of line by playing basketball instead of choosing the more "white" path of joining the wrestling team. Even Walter, his best friend, seems to be keeping his distance.
Early on, REBOUND is non-stop basketball action. Bob Krech shows Ray playing constantly in an effort to make the high school team. As the book progresses, another dimension begins to appear -- prejudice. Racial tension begins to rear its ugly head between players, friends, coaches, and parents. Ray finds out that not everyone is happy with just basketball and the competition on the court. The real world and its sometimes hateful nature cast a shadow over his success.
Readers who enjoy good basketball play-by-play action will be hooked at the beginning of REBOUND. Hopefully, they will connect with Ray as a person, too, and stick around to see what lurks beneath the surface of the basketball action.
Ray Wisniewski is growing up in the Polish-American town of Greenville, New Jersey. His game is basketball, but he is in the minority. All the black kids play basketball. Ray's supposed to be into wrestling like the white kids.
Basketball - Ray lives and breathes basketball. He plays pick-up games and organized ball, whatever kind of game he can rustle up. His only disappointment is that he has never been able to make the varsity team. He tries out and plays his best, but Coach Malovic never picks him. Finally, during Ray's senior year a new coach is hired, and Ray is suddenly one of the starting five.
Another surprise is the attention Ray is getting from the cutest and most popular girl in school, Stacy. He never considered even talking to her -- much less dating her -- but his luck is changing. It isn't until his first date with Stacy that Ray begins to realize that some people are bothered by the fact that he has perhaps crossed some sort of line by playing basketball instead of choosing the more "white" path of joining the wrestling team. Even Walter, his best friend, seems to be keeping his distance.
Early on, REBOUND is non-stop basketball action. Bob Krech shows Ray playing constantly in an effort to make the high school team. As the book progresses, another dimension begins to appear -- prejudice. Racial tension begins to rear its ugly head between players, friends, coaches, and parents. Ray finds out that not everyone is happy with just basketball and the competition on the court. The real world and its sometimes hateful nature cast a shadow over his success.
Readers who enjoy good basketball play-by-play action will be hooked at the beginning of REBOUND. Hopefully, they will connect with Ray as a person, too, and stick around to see what lurks beneath the surface of the basketball action.
January 17, 2013
To begin, this book is about an average teen whose name was Raymond Wisniewski, who lived in a racial divided city in New Jersey. Raymond was driven to make the varsity basketball team his senior year of high school, even though the past two years Raymond was cut from tryouts and did not make the team. This only motivated Raymond with all the negative hype he received from Rudy (-The star African American player on the varsity team). Rudy just made fun of Raymond and or ignored him never talked to him in a polite manner. The summer going into senior year Raymond started making strides towards his ultimate goal “Making the Varsity basketball team”. Raymond met Pruze a superstar transfer out of the city of Chicago located in Illinois, Pruze suggest Raymond to play summer league basketball to improve his overall skill in basketball. Raymond accepts the invite from Pruze and decided to play summer ball with him, that summer Raymond meets an arrogant teen named Robert. Robert is a stuck up basketball player who constantly cracked jokes at Raymond for his lack of skill. This only helped Raymond it provoked him to even more new heights, while playing summer league Raymond met a new coached named Mr. Thomas he was African American but Raymond thought he seemed fair. With all the hard work it eventually pays off Raymond finally makes the basketball team, which stirred problems at the racial divided city. Raymond was a Polish American; most of the players on the basketball were African American so this led to violent riots during games, and racial chants towards Raymond. This book is a pleasurable read if you are into sports related activities or you just simply love the game of basketball. I highly recommend it to young teens such as Raymond to read it as well to make a connection with someone who is so strong minded, and willing to make a difference for himself and the team.
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November 2, 2019 Book Review Ryder Stephens
Period.8
In the book “Rebound”, by Bob Kretch, an average white-polish kid named Ray decides to go up against the odds and tryout for his high school basketball team. Ray lives in a racial divided city in New Jersey, in which he is one of the only white kids trying out for the basketball team. Ray then gets cut from Coach Malovic’s team the first year of trying out. Then his senior year of high school comes around and Ray is determined to make the varsity basketball team even though he has received negative hype from Rudy who is the star African-American player for the varsity team. During the summer going into Ray’s senior year, Ray made strides towards his dream of “Making the varsity basketball team”, Ray meets Pruze who is a superstar transfer out of the city of Chicago, Pruze then suggests that Ray plays in the summer league to improve his game in basketball and his chances of making the team. Ray takes Pruze’s invite and decides to play summer league with him, during the summer Ray meets an arrogant teen named Robert, Robert is a stuck up ball player who always cracks jokes at Ray due to Ray’s lack of skills. This only helped Ray make more strides towards making the team, while playing in the summer league Ray meets a new coach named Mr. Thomas who is African-American and seems like a fair coach. With all the hard work Ray has done, it all finally pays off when he makes the high school basketball team. Since Ray is a white-polish kid in a racially divided city, it causes violent riots during games and racial chants towards Ray. Since Ray is the newcomer, it causes tension when Ray takes Rudy’s spot and Rudy and his buddies taunt Ray about it. Rays teammates come to realize what a good player Ray is and how deserving he is to be on the team. Rudy has a hard time accepting Ray and Ray’s teammates finally take Ray’s side and realize Rudy will never change.
I recommend this book to readers who would enjoy courageous protagonists such as Ray. He never gave up on his dream and he didn’t let anyone or anything stop him from doing it. With the layers of prejudice that are layed down, Ray still discovers his place in this world and then finds out what “brotherhood” really means. Based on Ray’s perseverance, of being the only white kid on the basketball team and not letting any chants and taunts stop him from working hard at his passion of playing ball, it will really show you the spirit of a fighter and ignoring all the negative hype that people want to give you for being successful. I have learned a lot from Ray’s characteristics and have truly made a connection with what he goes through in the story and I’m sure you will too.
Period.8
In the book “Rebound”, by Bob Kretch, an average white-polish kid named Ray decides to go up against the odds and tryout for his high school basketball team. Ray lives in a racial divided city in New Jersey, in which he is one of the only white kids trying out for the basketball team. Ray then gets cut from Coach Malovic’s team the first year of trying out. Then his senior year of high school comes around and Ray is determined to make the varsity basketball team even though he has received negative hype from Rudy who is the star African-American player for the varsity team. During the summer going into Ray’s senior year, Ray made strides towards his dream of “Making the varsity basketball team”, Ray meets Pruze who is a superstar transfer out of the city of Chicago, Pruze then suggests that Ray plays in the summer league to improve his game in basketball and his chances of making the team. Ray takes Pruze’s invite and decides to play summer league with him, during the summer Ray meets an arrogant teen named Robert, Robert is a stuck up ball player who always cracks jokes at Ray due to Ray’s lack of skills. This only helped Ray make more strides towards making the team, while playing in the summer league Ray meets a new coach named Mr. Thomas who is African-American and seems like a fair coach. With all the hard work Ray has done, it all finally pays off when he makes the high school basketball team. Since Ray is a white-polish kid in a racially divided city, it causes violent riots during games and racial chants towards Ray. Since Ray is the newcomer, it causes tension when Ray takes Rudy’s spot and Rudy and his buddies taunt Ray about it. Rays teammates come to realize what a good player Ray is and how deserving he is to be on the team. Rudy has a hard time accepting Ray and Ray’s teammates finally take Ray’s side and realize Rudy will never change.
I recommend this book to readers who would enjoy courageous protagonists such as Ray. He never gave up on his dream and he didn’t let anyone or anything stop him from doing it. With the layers of prejudice that are layed down, Ray still discovers his place in this world and then finds out what “brotherhood” really means. Based on Ray’s perseverance, of being the only white kid on the basketball team and not letting any chants and taunts stop him from working hard at his passion of playing ball, it will really show you the spirit of a fighter and ignoring all the negative hype that people want to give you for being successful. I have learned a lot from Ray’s characteristics and have truly made a connection with what he goes through in the story and I’m sure you will too.
March 24, 2020
For quarter three I read a great book called Rebound by Bob Krech. This is a book about a white kid named Raymond Widniewski who wants to make the all-black varsity basketball team. After he's cut from the team two years in a row, a new coach shows up at his high school and suddenly Ray makes the team after all. He now has to overcome being the only white guy to play basketball. He also took one of the star player’s best friend's spots. He also has a crazy white friend who will do anything for Ray not to be on the team and join the wrestling team. I liked this book because it takes place in a high school and has many challenges a normal high school teenager might have. Like when Ray sees a cute girl in the halls or going to the movie, or even struggling with class projects. I also liked how the author made a serious book about diversity into a funny and readable book about sports. I disliked that in almost every chapter there was a new challenge for Ray to overcome. If I was Bob Krech I would go in more detail in bigger challenges then make smaller challenges. I also disliked that Ray’s crush was not so dictating. Overall I thought Rebound was a good book and I would recommend it to anybody who likes high school drama and sports. I would give this book a five out of five.
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March 9, 2021Rebound is a great book for anybody around the age of 14-18 who enjoys sports or relevant problems in today's society. I believe it is great at giving some of the sports aspect and some of the equality aspect. The book is about a high school boy who gets cut from the varsity basketball team his junior year but his senior year he gets a new coach and becomes a starter. He lives in a mostly white area and is white himself but his team is almost all black kids. He then realizes that color doesn't matter and then has some questions about his character and himself as a person. The author did a great job like I said at having sports and relevant problems and even problems typical high school students face and there is even that typical popular crush.
October 4, 2019
"Rebound" from Bob Krech, is a great book because one it has comedy which is a big reason that I like this book. Another reason that I like this book is because that it has a different story to tell from others that I have read related to this book. It is about a boy who becomes a on one into a someone then gets his hopes up and then becomes one of the best players in his school while competing against players that are n high school. He played basketball day to night everyday while still struggling during school.
March 26, 2018
Rebound is a book filled with comedy, sports, and perseverance. In this novel, the main character, Ray, has a dream of being on varsity basketball. Throughout the novel, he goes through a roller coaster of emotions trying to fulfill his dream. He goes through training camps, summer leagues, and plenty of time on Junior Varsity. Will he finally fulfill his dream? I really liked this book and I suggest it to anyone who is in to sports and comedy.
February 1, 2019
It was a good book
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September 16, 2024Honestly a pretty good book, definitely young adults
January 9, 2025
I loved the character dynamics as the story progresses and how Raymond bends over societal views on befriending different races despite everything being separated by that.
March 2, 2017
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy cogrageous protagonists. I also enjoyed the parts when the protagonist didn't give up on himself. I also liked the attitude of the head coach of his high school. I also enjoyed the parts in the beginning of the book when his friends tried to convince him to join the wrestling team.
January 17, 2014
This book is about a kid named Ray who plays basketball for his town’s recreation team and during High school he tries to play for the high school team. However, from his freshmen year to junior year he doesn’t make the team. But during the summer before senior year he joins a summer basketball league called ROCK, which is mostly played by black people but one of his friends gets him to do it. The high school coach Malovic was the referee for the games so Ray tries to take this as an opportunity to help him finally make the team. When tryouts come along Ray finally makes the team.
Early on, the book is non-stop basketball action. Bob Krech shows Ray playing constantly in an effort to make the high school team. As the book progresses, another dimension begins to appear: prejudice. Racial tension begins to rear its ugly head between players, friends, coaches, and parents. Ray finds out that not everyone is happy with just basketball and the competition on the court. The real world and its sometimes hateful nature cast a shadow over his success.
Other than finally making the team his senior year, he is surprised by the attention Ray is getting from the cutest and most popular girl in school, Stacy. He never considered even talking to her, much less dating her, but his luck is changing. It isn't until his first date with Stacy that Ray begins to realize that some people are bothered by the fact that he has moved from a “no namer” to someone that Stacy will even consider to talk to. Even Walter, his best friend, seems to be keeping his distance.
I believe the author did a good job writing this book by using good hook and keeping readers interested in the book. Rebound moved me emotionally because I learned that you can’t get something really easy, you have to keep working and get better at whatever it is. I think anyone that likes basketball should read this for its motivational theme and the success story of a basketball player. I think this book deserves a 4 out of 5 because the author added many different aspects to the plot such as basketball itself, racial stereotypes, and high school relationships.
Early on, the book is non-stop basketball action. Bob Krech shows Ray playing constantly in an effort to make the high school team. As the book progresses, another dimension begins to appear: prejudice. Racial tension begins to rear its ugly head between players, friends, coaches, and parents. Ray finds out that not everyone is happy with just basketball and the competition on the court. The real world and its sometimes hateful nature cast a shadow over his success.
Other than finally making the team his senior year, he is surprised by the attention Ray is getting from the cutest and most popular girl in school, Stacy. He never considered even talking to her, much less dating her, but his luck is changing. It isn't until his first date with Stacy that Ray begins to realize that some people are bothered by the fact that he has moved from a “no namer” to someone that Stacy will even consider to talk to. Even Walter, his best friend, seems to be keeping his distance.
I believe the author did a good job writing this book by using good hook and keeping readers interested in the book. Rebound moved me emotionally because I learned that you can’t get something really easy, you have to keep working and get better at whatever it is. I think anyone that likes basketball should read this for its motivational theme and the success story of a basketball player. I think this book deserves a 4 out of 5 because the author added many different aspects to the plot such as basketball itself, racial stereotypes, and high school relationships.
January 12, 2012
This book is about a kid named Ray who plays basketball for his town’s recreation team and during High school he tries to play for the high school team but from freshmen year to junior year he doesn’t make the team. But during the summer before senior year he does a summer basketball league called ROCK which is mostly played by black people but one of his friends gets him to do it and the high school coach Malovic is the referee for the games so Ray hopes this will help him get on the team senior year. When tryouts come along Ray finally makes the team. The main characters in the book are Ray, Mom, dad, Pruze, Ziggy, Richie, Robert, Coach Tyrone, Winnie, and coach Malovic. This plot developed when Freshmen year Ray tried out for the team and when he didn’t make it he just kept practicing and practicing till he was able to make the team.
I believe the author did a good job writing this book because it had a good hook and I was able to keep reading this and not put the book down of boredom. This book did move me because I learned that you can’t get on a sports team really easy and that you have to keep practicing and get better at one you’re not got at. I think the audience should read this because if you’re a sports fan but mostly a basketball fan then I think this would be the perfect book for you. I think the author should have made it that Ray made the team Junior and senior year instead of senior year because I think that trying out for the same team with the same bad coach every year gets pretty bad and waiting till senior year to change the coach is not cool.
I think this book gets a 4 because again the reader did a really good job of grabbing the readers focus and really made it so the reader didn’t change books or even return it at a book store. Overall this book is really good and people should defiantly read this and put it on the bookshelf at their houses.
I believe the author did a good job writing this book because it had a good hook and I was able to keep reading this and not put the book down of boredom. This book did move me because I learned that you can’t get on a sports team really easy and that you have to keep practicing and get better at one you’re not got at. I think the audience should read this because if you’re a sports fan but mostly a basketball fan then I think this would be the perfect book for you. I think the author should have made it that Ray made the team Junior and senior year instead of senior year because I think that trying out for the same team with the same bad coach every year gets pretty bad and waiting till senior year to change the coach is not cool.
I think this book gets a 4 because again the reader did a really good job of grabbing the readers focus and really made it so the reader didn’t change books or even return it at a book store. Overall this book is really good and people should defiantly read this and put it on the bookshelf at their houses.
January 16, 2015
Rebound is about a teenager named Ray. Ray is a normal teen except for the fact that he is in love with basketball. The only problem for him though is that he's never made the varsity team for his school. So to help with his problems he joins a summer league. He improves his skills but also finds out dark things that he never noticed in his community before. One of the things he noticed is all the racism and when he befriends African Americans his life is turned upside down.
I really enjoyed the characters. I believed they were really well developed. He made it feel like it was a true story through the eyes of the chacters. I also enjoyed the themes I got out of the book. One of the themes was even though someone is a different color that doesn't mean there not human. Another big theme I picked up on was to never give up.
This book reminds me of text to world. It reminds me of this since there is racial statements in the book, and on television I remember watching racial comments. Also the book reminds me of text to media since it reminds me of the movie Remember the Titans. It reminds me of this since in both stories there is racism and sports. Also because in both of these fantastic stories the towns are able to overcome racism and come together.
I really enjoyed this fantastic book. halfway through it I realized that this book wasn't a typical sports story. I realized the book is about something more than sports because I immediately started to see the racial slur and thought this was going to be an interesting book. I highly recommend this book to sports fans. I recommend it because the sports games are really interesting and exciting. Also while your enjoying the book you might pick up on some life lessons.
I really enjoyed the characters. I believed they were really well developed. He made it feel like it was a true story through the eyes of the chacters. I also enjoyed the themes I got out of the book. One of the themes was even though someone is a different color that doesn't mean there not human. Another big theme I picked up on was to never give up.
This book reminds me of text to world. It reminds me of this since there is racial statements in the book, and on television I remember watching racial comments. Also the book reminds me of text to media since it reminds me of the movie Remember the Titans. It reminds me of this since in both stories there is racism and sports. Also because in both of these fantastic stories the towns are able to overcome racism and come together.
I really enjoyed this fantastic book. halfway through it I realized that this book wasn't a typical sports story. I realized the book is about something more than sports because I immediately started to see the racial slur and thought this was going to be an interesting book. I highly recommend this book to sports fans. I recommend it because the sports games are really interesting and exciting. Also while your enjoying the book you might pick up on some life lessons.
January 30, 2015
Have you ever wanted something so bad that you would do anything for it? Well if you have then this book is for you. The genre for this book is realistic fiction. I think this book was amazing! ***Spoiler Alert*** Ray doesn't make the varsity basketball team when he tries out in the beginning.
The setting in this book is in a town called Greenville. This book is about a kid named Raymond and he is trying out for the basketball team. There is nothing wrong about trying out but being the only white guy there. Ray plays real hard while trying out but it is not good enough and doesn't make the cut. During the summer he joins this summer basketball team called ROCK. He is excellent in ROCK and they add him on the school varsity team. It starts off good but the worst is yet to come. The conflict in this book is person vs. person because Ray has to face a lot of mean people.
I was angry when the coach did not let Ray join the team because Raymond was very good at basketball but the coach didn't add him only because he was white. I was moved by the way Walter started to dance with a girl with down syndrome because nobody wanted to dance with her.
The character's changed because the black people on the varsity were so mean to Ray while he tried out but as Ray showed them how good he was they started to become nice to him. The theme of this book is don't judge someone by the color of their skin.
I would rate this book a five because I really enjoyed it and it was very interesting. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy realistic fiction and for people who van relate to this story. So will you cross your limit or nah?
The setting in this book is in a town called Greenville. This book is about a kid named Raymond and he is trying out for the basketball team. There is nothing wrong about trying out but being the only white guy there. Ray plays real hard while trying out but it is not good enough and doesn't make the cut. During the summer he joins this summer basketball team called ROCK. He is excellent in ROCK and they add him on the school varsity team. It starts off good but the worst is yet to come. The conflict in this book is person vs. person because Ray has to face a lot of mean people.
I was angry when the coach did not let Ray join the team because Raymond was very good at basketball but the coach didn't add him only because he was white. I was moved by the way Walter started to dance with a girl with down syndrome because nobody wanted to dance with her.
The character's changed because the black people on the varsity were so mean to Ray while he tried out but as Ray showed them how good he was they started to become nice to him. The theme of this book is don't judge someone by the color of their skin.
I would rate this book a five because I really enjoyed it and it was very interesting. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy realistic fiction and for people who van relate to this story. So will you cross your limit or nah?
April 5, 2016
5. Like Water in a Desert
I found the author Bob Krech to be a very inspiring author and is very motivational at the same time. In this novel Rebound the main character goes through some tough times involving basketball. At Franklin High School, where Ray Wisniewski dreams of making varsity basketball, though most white boys go out for wrestling. A lot is going on in this ambitious work exploring the subtle and not so subtle faces of racism today. The author is very inspiring and shows that it doesn't matter where you come from.I recommend this book to basketball players and even athletes. Because it represents a great lesson to today's world and a good life lesson.
1.As clear as crystal
The author’s argument are clear and his writing is really interesting. His directions are not confusing at all in my opinion. Bob Krech does a great on balancing internal and external development and he does it to keep you in the story. Actually he does to a lot of characters rather than the main character. The author's word choice and sentence structure does want to make me read more especially his books. Bob Krech main argument and focus is how racism can affect how you live and also it does a huge affect on basketball. Ray experiences prejudice on both sides. On the court he struggles with the anger of his black teammates, and off the court he struggles with the attitudes of his best friends and his parents. Ray’s growth is shown as he plays ball and as he deals with the racial tension. It is his final decision to choose friendship over color that shows sometimes you can’t judge the world in simply black or white.
I found the author Bob Krech to be a very inspiring author and is very motivational at the same time. In this novel Rebound the main character goes through some tough times involving basketball. At Franklin High School, where Ray Wisniewski dreams of making varsity basketball, though most white boys go out for wrestling. A lot is going on in this ambitious work exploring the subtle and not so subtle faces of racism today. The author is very inspiring and shows that it doesn't matter where you come from.I recommend this book to basketball players and even athletes. Because it represents a great lesson to today's world and a good life lesson.
1.As clear as crystal
The author’s argument are clear and his writing is really interesting. His directions are not confusing at all in my opinion. Bob Krech does a great on balancing internal and external development and he does it to keep you in the story. Actually he does to a lot of characters rather than the main character. The author's word choice and sentence structure does want to make me read more especially his books. Bob Krech main argument and focus is how racism can affect how you live and also it does a huge affect on basketball. Ray experiences prejudice on both sides. On the court he struggles with the anger of his black teammates, and off the court he struggles with the attitudes of his best friends and his parents. Ray’s growth is shown as he plays ball and as he deals with the racial tension. It is his final decision to choose friendship over color that shows sometimes you can’t judge the world in simply black or white.
November 4, 2011
The basketball subplot is used mainly to highlight the main character's struggle with breaking unofficial racial barriers once he finally makes the high school's varsity basketball team. The main character, Raymond Wisniewski, who is Polish has to balance his old friendships with other Polish boys with his new friendships with the African American teammates.
This is a book that would appeal mainly to male teenagers who really love the game of basketball or sports in general. I thought it was pretty good after all, though. I'm usually not into the type of sporty kind of books, but since they added a few on and off scenes, it excited me and made it a lot more interesting. I thought that they could have improved the book by not having it all on just basketball, but maybe a little more about how he improved on playing basketball and dealing with the African Americans.
If I had to choose, I would pick a 3 out of 5 of my rating on the book. It could have used a little more information on basketball, instead of just telling what he did IN basketball. But, other than that, I actually liked the book because It had many things other than basketball. It didn't just keep going on and on about basketball. I picked a three instead of a two because it deserved it. Why? Because it was really interesting and it was kind of like a cliff hanger. If I could, I would read this again.
This is a book that would appeal mainly to male teenagers who really love the game of basketball or sports in general. I thought it was pretty good after all, though. I'm usually not into the type of sporty kind of books, but since they added a few on and off scenes, it excited me and made it a lot more interesting. I thought that they could have improved the book by not having it all on just basketball, but maybe a little more about how he improved on playing basketball and dealing with the African Americans.
If I had to choose, I would pick a 3 out of 5 of my rating on the book. It could have used a little more information on basketball, instead of just telling what he did IN basketball. But, other than that, I actually liked the book because It had many things other than basketball. It didn't just keep going on and on about basketball. I picked a three instead of a two because it deserved it. Why? Because it was really interesting and it was kind of like a cliff hanger. If I could, I would read this again.
March 8, 2015
I thought the book was very enthusiastic and there was never a part where it was boring. It also showed me a couple of things like one was that it does not matter what race or what anything you are that everyone one should have an equal opportunity to do what they want and not get criticized. Raymond Wisniewski knows that the polish kids don't ever really go out for basketball they just wrestle and the BLACK kids play basketball. He was rejected and never get put on the Franklin High School basketball team two years in a row. But this year just changed for Ray real fast a new coach is in the head coaches spot and so this gives him a better chance of making the team this year. Ray has just made the team and he is ecstatic but there is one problem for him and that is that he has a lot of competition. Since the BLACK kids have been on a team and have had more experience playing against bigger and better people and he had just made the high school team within the last 2 years that he has tried to go out and make the team. My overall impression of the book is that it was awesome and I love it I would recommend it to people who love basketball or who want to experience the racial stress that Ray goes through.
April 11, 2012
Raymond Wisniewski is a polish teen who attends Franklin High School. See, Ray has always loved basketball, but at this school, polacks were supposed to wrestle and African Americans played basketball. Ray was determined to make the team after trying out two years in a row but Coach Malovic has favorites such as, Robert and Rudy, but Ray is definetly not one. His third year in trying out, he finally had made the team after playing during the summer and playing in different basketball camps. After the tryouts, he tried his best to be a good basketball player and tries to show people he really has talent but it was tough for Ray to actually be on the team because all of the boys wouldn't talk to him or they would say rude things to him. All of the comments made him a stronger and better person and it also helped him score the girl of his dreams. The book shows a lot about determination, romance, and betrayal. It also made me realize how people can judge a book by its cover until you know whats inside meaning dont judge unless you know the person. If you're in to sports, I recommend you read this book.
January 6, 2013
A coming of age tale centred around a U.S. high school student called Ray who wants to do nothing more than play basketball for his school team but is frustrated in his efforts to make the cut at successive annual try-outs. I was worried at the outset that my lack of interest in basketball would turn into a lack of interest in the story but this was not the case as this soon proved to be about more than a tale about jocks. The theme of racism soon enters into the frame and forms the undercurrent of the story as it develops and wends its way towards a drama-filled conclusion. Along the way, Ray comes to understand the meaning of true friendship and learns a number of life lessons. The author, Bob Krech weaves a very credible and engaging plot which is really well-paced and well thought-out. It is very well-balanced in terms of how the race issue is dealt with and ultimately we are lead to look beyond and beneath skin colour as this is ultimately a story about the values of integrity and brotherhood that should be probably be on every school's recommended reading list.
December 10, 2013
This showed me that racial lines were heavy no matter how good you was in a sport , the love of the game can teach you a lot . I could recommend this book to a wrestler to convince them to play ball . For young readers to leash out a favoritism in towards having your way with books can have you currently like this book . A kid who actually wants to play high school ball not for anything else , but just wanting to play . Now a days everyone wants to play because it comes with benefits ! This book reflects upon me because little do people know I worked out everyday in the summer to be even better in ball . Now I feel like the little white pale boy , who get no type of appreciation of wanting to play wanting to learn . Reading a book doesn't make you smarter learning something in the book does check this book out.I dislike the fact that when a hard working person on the book gets recognized in the middle/end the kid was always good.
May 5, 2009
This book had several appealing aspects, although some are very sad. For one, there is the dealing of a father's death. What is such a terrible thing to happen to a youth does happen, and to watch a character deal with it is very interesting. Then there is Nick's situation. It was great to see the hope he brought despite all he was going through. Many teens would hopefully find some inspiration from this. Finally, there is the new high school part of her situation. Again, something that so many experience. While some may not like the ending, overall so many teens would probably love this book.
Developmental Assets: Positive Peer Influence
The characters are very believable. They way they react to sadness and hope were very accurate.
I would promote this book by talking about hope in the toughest times in life.
VOYA: 5Q, 4P, J, S
Developmental Assets: Positive Peer Influence
The characters are very believable. They way they react to sadness and hope were very accurate.
I would promote this book by talking about hope in the toughest times in life.
VOYA: 5Q, 4P, J, S
September 13, 2016
Add this one to your list of fantastic sports books! Raymond Wisniewski (heaven knows I'll mangle that name when I booktalk this) loves playing basketball. But in his town, the Polish kids all wrestle, and the black kids play basketball. Ray loves the game, though, and tries out for his high school team three years running. He's cut the first two years, but continues to play in the town leagues to better his game. The third year, there's a new coach -- and Ray is one of two white kids who make the team. This isn't just about the underdog making the team and showing he can play on the court. Ray learns a lot about how prejudice isn't predictable, good friends can become mean people, the loveliest girl can be nasty ugly on the inside, and your worst enemy can be an unlikely savior. An amazing story.
March 16, 2013
This is my favorite book about basketball. It's about a young high schooler who doesn't make the basketball team even after practicing so hard two years in a row. He didn't even mess up at the tryouts. It was because the coach had something personal against him, which is unfortunate for him because he could have made it those two years. Then when his senior year comes, he finally makes it not only cause he did well at the tryouts, but because the team got a new coach since the previous one stepped down. The games feel so real, because 2 minutes of basketball in this game take quite a lot of pages making it a nail biter. It's also a good book because its interesting to read about the main character's social life because he has a lot going on, like his rivals, friends, family, and definitely his crush too.
March 4, 2015
Sometimes you just need to read a sports book, and this here YA novel is a BASKETBALL book. :) Cool cover, and cool subplots will make this a popular read at PCHS after I donate it to the library (thanks--Marshall Cavendish!). Ray Wisniewski is a Polish boy playing a black kid sport in his neighborhood. He's supposed to stick to wrestling and the rest of his white friends, but he can't stay away from basketball, even if he is cut from the team his freshmen and sophomore years. He wants to play, even if it means getting to know how to trash-talk on the court with people he's not used to. Much of the book is focused on racial relations, but it's about basketball, too. And, of course, some love interests force Ray to decide what kind of person he really wants to be.
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