Q. Harry is an incredibly relatable character. Which part of him did you connect with the most while writing?
Firstly, it’s wonderful to hear that Harry is relatable, as that’s always my hope when I’m writing characters for any of my books. I think I connected the most with Harry in the way that he tries to keep moving on even when life has knocked him flat. That mix of stubbornness, humour, and “I’m fine… actually I’m not” felt very familiar. He’s a kid doing his best in a situation he didn’t choose, and I understood that instinct well because of things that have happened in my own life.
Q. Basketball feels so authentic in The Rebound. Is there a bit of Harry – or a love of basketball in your own life?
I’m not a basketball tragic, but I have spent years on the sidelines of a netball court watching, and even coaching, both of my daughters’ teams. I love watching netball so although I wasn’t familiar with the rules of basketball before I wrote The Rebound, I knew a lot about the friendships, the teamwork and the way sport can become your whole world. I also grew up in a family obsessed with sport – AFL in particular – so it’s always been a huge part of my life. So I guess what I do share with Harry is the idea that sport can be a passion, as well as healing (when it needs to be), so that’s the part I wrote from experience. Also, after writing this book I have a whole new appreciation for basketball!
Q. Did you always know how Harry’s journey would end, or did he surprise you along the way?
I knew he was going to find a way forward, but the story evolved and changed as I wrote – as it always does – so some of the details did surprise me in the end. My initial plan for how Harry’s final game in the book would play out was actually quite different to how it ended up, but of course now I couldn’t imagine it being any other way.
Q. The novel explores grief with honesty while remaining hopeful. How did you find that balance for middle-grade readers?
It was definitely tricky, but I truly believe that kids can handle honesty and sadness, as long as it’s not too relentless. I tried to let Harry’s grief be as real as possible whilst also making sure that he had support, as well as moments of humour and lightness around him too. That’s how grief works in real life, so I was hoping it would feel right for this age group and that I honoured the reality of grief without overwhelming them.
Q. It’s refreshing to see an age-appropriate male protagonist who is allowed to be vulnerable without losing his love of sport. How important was it to challenge some of the traditional ideas about masculinity through Harry’ story?
It was hugely important. I think boys deserve stories where they can be emotional and still be sporty, competitive, and strong. Harry never stops loving basketball, but he also cries, doubts himself, and leans on people (eventually), which is real life, and there shouldn’t be any shame in that. I wanted to show that vulnerability isn’t weakness and something that boys need to hide.
Q. Many young readers who love sport don’t always see themselves as readers. Do you hope The Rebound might be a gateway book for reluctant readers, particularly those who’d rather be on the basketball court than curled up with a novel?
Absolutely! I wrote The Rebound with those kids in mind, the ones who’d rather be shooting hoops than sitting down and reading a book. I think sport is a great entry point for those kids because it’s familiar and fast‑paced, and will hopefully keep them engaged and interested enough to enjoy the other parts of the story as well. If they come for the basketball and stay for Harry, then that’s a win.
Q. What was the most challenging scene in the book to write – and why?
I think the most challenging part for me was the hospital scenes, as well as the part of the book where Harry finally speaks honestly about his dad. Those moments needed to feel real without overwhelming young readers and getting that emotional balance right took time. To be honest, the other challenging scenes to write were the basketball games as I had to do a LOT of research on the game and how it’s played, which took time, but hopefully it was worth all the time and effort!
Q. Which member of the Redbacks would you most like to have on your own basketball team?
Apart from Harry, of course, I’d probably pick Elias. Not only is he a great player but he’s the kind of kid who is always thinking about what’s best for the team and not just for himself.
Q. If you could shoot hoops with any fictional character, who would it be?
Leslie Knope from Parks & Recreation.
Q. Finally, what do you hope readers carry with them after they’ve turned the final page of The Rebound?
First and foremost, I hope that any kid who finishes reading The Rebound feels good as they close the book; and satisfied. And also, a tiny bit sad that it’s over, which is how I always feel when I finish a book that I’ve really enjoyed. It would also be nice if they kept in mind that even when life knocks you down, you can always get back up again.
Loved hearing from Fiona? Make sure you also check out our review of The Rebound.
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
