Rez Ball: A Heartfelt Tribute to Community and Healing
There are books that draw you in with their cover, and then there are those that clasp your heart from the very first page. Rez Ball by Byron Graves is one such book for me. As a Cherokee mom raising two Cherokee boys, I was immediately captivated by the promise of representation and the story of a young boy navigating grief and legacy on a Native reservation. This book not only sparked my curiosity but also resonated with my own experiences, making it a deeply personal read.
At its core, Rez Ball is not merely about basketball; it’s a poignant exploration of loss, identity, and community. The story follows Tre Brun, whose life pivots dramatically after the tragic death of his older brother Jaxon, a local basketball star. The weight of Jaxon’s absence permeates everything Tre does, highlighting the profound impact of grief not just on him but on the entire Red Lake reservation community. From the outset, Graves immerses us in the emotional turmoil Tre experiences—feeling simultaneously defined by his brother’s legacy and suffocated by it.
What struck me most was how Graves masterfully intertwines basketball with Tre’s journey of healing. The gripping narration of practices and games reveals not just the excitement of the sport but Tre’s deep connection to his late brother. Moments on the court transform into conversations with Jaxon, offering a glimpse into Tre’s grief and longing. The first-person perspective allows us to experience Tre’s internal struggles without veering into play-by-play monotony—Graves ensures we feel every dribble and shot in our bones.
The themes of Rez Ball extend well beyond the basketball court. Friendship, family dynamics, and the pressures to fit in are dissected with grace and authenticity. Tre grapples with the complexities of adolescence—love interests, peer expectations, and prejudices—making him relatable to any teen reader, whether they are into sports or not. This book beautifully captures the essence of teenage life, and it’s refreshing to see such complexity in a male protagonist.
Graves’ writing shines with vivid descriptions of the Red Lake reservation, making the setting a character in its own right. I could almost feel the pulse of the community—its warmth, its gossip, and its unwavering support for its young athletes. The inclusion of Ojibwe language was a true highlight, weaving cultural authenticity into the narrative and reminding young readers that their language and heritage are valuable and significant.
As a mom, I felt my heart swell and ache at Tre’s journey. I often found myself reflecting on the challenges my own boys might face as they grow. This book, while aimed at teens, offers invaluable insights into the intricate lives of young Indigenous boys—showcasing that they are complex, emotional, and entirely relatable, just like any other teen.
In the end, Rez Ball is a gift for readers of all backgrounds. Those who adore basketball will be thrilled by the energetic gameplay, while those less familiar with the sport will still appreciate the depth of Tre’s journey. Teens in particular will find solace and understanding within its pages, and I suspect many will feel seen and heard through Tre’s experiences.
So, if you’re looking for a story that blends heart, sport, and culture into a beautiful homage to community, grab a copy of Rez Ball. Thank you, Byron Graves, for penning such an impactful tale. It’s a book I wish for every young person to discover. Wado. Aliheliga.