Rez Ball

The novel establishes a stark contrast between the Red Lake reservation and the adjacent town of Bemidji. How do these two settings function as symbolic spaces that define the characters’ experiences?

How does the novel develop “rez ball” from a style of play into a symbol? Analyze the pivotal moments where the team chooses to embrace this style. What do these decisions reflect about their journey?

Jaxon is a posthumous character whose presence is central to the story. Analyze the literary techniques that the author uses (e.g., through other characters and through objects) to explore Jaxon’s lasting impact on Tre’s development and on the community.

In what ways is Wes’s documentary a narrative device that goes beyond simply recording history and depicting the Red Lake Warriors?

Rez Ball uses the structure of a classic underdog sports story. In what ways does the novel adhere to the conventions of this genre, and how does it subvert these conventions to make a more complex statement about victory and community pride?

Byron Graves draws heavily on his personal experiences as an Ojibwe basketball player from the Red Lake reservation. How does this authorial context shape the novel’s authenticity? What aspects of the plot or character development reflect this authenticity?

Trace Tre’s evolution from a player motivated by personal grief and ambition to a leader who unites his team through a sobriety pact. What events and relationships catalyze this transformation, and what does his journey suggest about the nature of leadership?

While the novel centers on male relationships, characters like Khiana and Tre’s mother offer different perspectives. What do these female characters bring to the novel, and how do they contribute to Tre’s emotional maturation beyond the world of basketball?