Rez Ball

Byron Graves

Heartdrum

When Tre Brun's life is turned upside down by the death of his older brother, basketball becomes his escape. After being called up to his school's varsity team, Tre is determined to help lead his team and reservation to a state championship. Even though he wants to be locked in, Tre can't help but be distracted by the enormous expectations he has placed on himself and the strains these have placed on his relationships with his closest friends. In this story of determination, you will ride Tre's highs and feel his lows as he strives to be the hero for his team, his friends, and his Ojibwe rez.

CONTENT WARNINGS

Drugs & Alcohol, Racism, Sexual Content, Suicide

Discussion questions

How does the death of Tre's brother Jaxon show up in his every day life and decisions?
On page 251 Tre accuses Wes of stealing his girlfriend, and Wes responds by saying "I didn't steal anyone. And maybe that's all true. And I am some weird-ass-looking light-skinned boy. But at least I'm myself. I'm not afraid to be who I am; I'm not trying to be someone else." What is Wes insinuating about Tre?

Vocabulary & Teaching Guides

Video Content

Publisher Content & Publicity

Kirkus book review

Classroom Connections

In a music class, consider the Rez Ball Spotify playlist that Byron Graves put together. How do these songs speak to the themes of the novel?
What sport pulls you toward it? What is it about this sport for you?
Are you part of a special community? Write about what your community is like.

Byron Graves

https://www.instagram.com/makwa_giniw/

Byron Graves is Ojibwe and was born and raised on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota, where he played high school basketball. When he isn’t writing, he can be found playing retro video games, spending time with his family, or cheering on his beloved Minnesota Timberwolves. Rez Ball is his debut novel.

Companion Books