Dreamer

Dreamer is an honest and riveting graphic memoir chronicling the life of Akim Aliu, a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player. It details his journey from a challenging childhood, including his family's financial struggles and being the sole Black child in his community, through his rise as a hockey prodigy. The book unflinchingly addresses the systemic racism and racist violence Akim encountered both on and off the ice, making it a powerful read for ages 12-18. It's a story of incredible resilience, courage, and the importance of fighting for fairness, inspiring young readers to pursue their dreams despite adversity.

This honest, engrossing graphic memoir tells the story of professional athlete and activist Akim Aliu's incredible life as a hockey prodigy in Canada. Akim Aliu -- also known as "Dreamer" -- is a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player whose career took him all around the world and who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Dreamer tells Akim's incredible story, from being the only Black child in his Ukrainian community, to his family struggling to make ends meet while living in Toronto, to confronting the racist violence he often experienced both on and off the ice. This is a gut-wrenching and riveting graphic novel memoir that reminds us to never stop dreaming, and is sure to inspire young readers everywhere. "With honesty and courage, Akim Aliu's Dreamer will inspire readers of all ages to move confidently in the direction of their future." - Colin Kaepernick