Review: The Rebound

For many young readers, sport is far more than an after-school activity. It's friendship, identity, belonging and a place to escape when life becomes difficult. Fiona Harris taps into this beautifully in The Rebound, a heartfelt middle-grade novel that blends the excitement of basketball with an honest exploration of grief, resilience and personal growth.

Harry Portelli has always measured his life in basketball seasons. But when tragedy strikes his family, everything changes. Missing the tryouts for his school's top team leaves him questioning not only his future in the sport but whether he wants to return to the court at all. Instead, Harry joins the Redbacks - a team where his individual talent is undeniable, but where success will depend on far more than being the strongest player.

 
While basketball provides the energy and momentum of the story, The Rebound is ultimately about learning what it means to be part of a team. Harris explores the importance of recognising personal limits, accepting support from others and discovering that friendships, families and passions all require time, effort and commitment. Harry's understanding of success evolves throughout the novel, demonstrating that what seems most important at one stage of life can shift as perspectives change.

Harris writes with warmth and emotional authenticity, handling themes of loss with remarkable sensitivity while ensuring the story remains accessible for its intended audience. The novel never shies away from difficult emotions, yet the fast-paced basketball action and genuine camaraderie between teammates keep the story hopeful and uplifting. It's an impressive balance that allows the heavier themes to resonate without overshadowing the joy of the game.

The basketball itself is woven seamlessly into the narrative. Fans of the sport will appreciate the authentic detail, while readers with little prior knowledge will have no trouble following the action. Rather than acting as a backdrop, the game becomes the perfect lens through which to explore teamwork, perseverance and resilience. It's always rewarding to see a real-world passion transformed into a compelling fictional story that invites readers to connect with both the sport and its characters.

Another standout is Harry himself. Contemporary middle-grade fiction continues to benefit from authentic, age-appropriate male protagonists who are allowed to experience vulnerability alongside determination. Harry's journey demonstrates that strength isn't found in carrying every burden alone, but in allowing others to share the load and recognising that setbacks can become opportunities for growth.

Perfect for readers aged 10–14, The Rebound is an engaging, emotionally satisfying novel that will resonate with basketball enthusiasts while offering universal themes that extend far beyond the court. With its authentic voice, memorable characters and thoughtful exploration of teamwork and resilience, this is a story that has every chance of winning over even those middle-grade readers who insist they 'don't like reading', particularly if basketball is already their first love.

Title: The Rebound

Author: Fiona Harris
Publisher: Allen and Unwin Children, $17.99
Publication Date: 30 June, 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761182303
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade