Summary
After missing his eagerly awaited trial to play for the Under Sixteens Firsts, fourteen-year-old Harry Portelli has no choice but to play with the worst training team in the school.
The Redbacks are a mess. They can’t pass. They can’t shoot. They can’t win.
This is not the future either Harry or his dad imagined. Harry has to dig deep to work out what basketball means to him and, with the help of surprising new friendships, he rediscovers his love for the sport as the Redbacks…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781761182303 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1761182307 |
| Author: | Fiona Harris |
| Publisher: | Allen & Unwin |
| Imprint: | A&U Children |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 288 |
| Release Date: | 30 June 2026 |
| Weight: | 222g |
| Dimensions: | 24mm x 129mm x 198mm |
| Audience Age: | 10-14 |
You Can Find This Book In
Critics Review
‘An excellent text for educators to explore themes of teamwork, resilience and integrity with students. Recommended for young NBL/NBA fans and any young person with a competitive, sporty streak.’ Books + Publishing
‘A broad range of themes is expertly tackled … readers don’t need to be basketball experts to enjoy this engaging, propulsive story. Full of heart.’ Good Reading Guide (five stars)
‘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.’ Kids Book Review
Fiona Harris
Fiona Harris is an award-winning author, scriptwriter, and actor with over twenty years of experience across publishing, television, and theatre.
Over the past thirteen years, she has penned forty-seven books, including:
- The Drop-off (adult fiction)
- The Pick-up (adult fiction)
- The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks (middle grade fiction)
- Sleepover BFFs series (five books and two graphic novels, junior fiction)
- The Strength of Hope (memoir of Holocaust survivor Abram Goldberg)
- Diary of a Netball Star series (five books by Liz Watson, junior fiction)
- Trolls series (three books for Dreamworks)
- Kicking Goals series (six books by Sam Kerr, junior fiction)
- Two picture books for footballer Marcus Bontempelli
- The Super Moopers series (children’s book series, co-authored with Sally Rippin)
- Miraculous series (four books, based on the animated kids TV series)
Fiona co-created the award-winning comedy web series, The Drop Off, with her husband, Mike McLeish, which aired on Channel 9. In 2025, they co-adapted the script for the Dolly Parton musical, Here You Come Again, for Australian audiences.
She has acted in numerous TV shows, including:
- The Beautiful Lie
- Tangle
- One More Shot
- Offspring
- Comedy Inc
- The Librarians
Her TV writing and acting credits include:
- Flipside
- Skithouse
- Prank Patrol
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.