Graphix

Dreamer: A Graphic Memoir by Akim Aliu

The Inspiring Journey of a Hockey Prodigy

"Dreamer," the powerful graphic memoir by Akim Aliu, chronicles the extraordinary life of a professional athlete and activist who has faced and overcome immense challenges. This honest and engaging narrative takes readers on a journey through Akim's childhood, his rise to prominence in the world of hockey, and his unwavering fight against systemic racism.

A Story of Resilience and Hope

Born to Ukrainian and Nigerian parents, Akim Aliu was a hockey prodigy who navigated a world where he was often the only Black child in his community. His family struggled to make ends meet in Toronto, yet they instilled in him a deep love for the game and a strong sense of determination.

Dreamer vividly portrays Akim's journey, from overcoming childhood struggles to achieving his dream of playing professional hockey. It also sheds light on the devastating impact of racism within the sport, which Akim experienced both on and off the ice.

Confronting Racism and Embracing Change

The graphic novel delves into the deeply personal and often painful experiences Akim endured as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. He faced blatant discrimination and was subjected to racist taunts and violence. This powerful memoir serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues that still plague our society.

Despite these hardships, Akim refused to let racism define him. He chose to use his platform to fight for equality and justice, becoming a vocal advocate for social change within the hockey world. His courage and resilience are both inspiring and empowering.

A Powerful Message for All Readers

Dreamer is a must-read for readers of all ages, offering an important and thought-provoking glimpse into the realities of racism and the importance of fighting for change. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

Review

"Dreamer" is a compelling and emotionally resonant graphic memoir. Akim Aliu's story is both personal and universal, showcasing the struggles of a young man navigating a world where he is often an outsider. The graphic novel's illustrations are powerful and evocative, effectively capturing the emotional intensity of Akim's experiences.

This is a powerful and inspiring story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of one person to make a difference.

**"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**

<p>Sunshine: A Graphic Novel</p>

<p>The extraordinary -- and extraordinarily powerful -- follow-up to Hey, Kiddo.</p>

<p>When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into it, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?</p>

<p>But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times. Not only was he subject to some of the usual rituals that come with being a camp counselor (wilderness challenges, spooky campfire stories, an extremely stinky mascot costume), but he also got a chance to meet some extraordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. He learned about the captivity of illness, for sure but he also learned about the freedom a safe space can bring.</p>

<p>Now, in his follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett brings readers back to Camp Sunshine so we can meet the campers and fellow counselors who changed the course of his life.</p>

<p>Miss Quinces: A Graphic Novel</p>

<p>Rising star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! A funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about navigating the expectations of family and cultural tradition.</p>

<p>Sue just wants to spend the summer reading and making comics at sleepaway camp with her friends, but instead she gets stuck going to Honduras to visit relatives with her parents and two sisters. They live way out in the country, which means no texting, no cable, and no Internet! The trip takes a turn for the worse when Sue's mother announces that they'll be having a surprise quinceañera for Sue, which is the last thing she wants. She can't imagine wearing a big, floofy, colorful dress! What is Sue going to do? And how will she survive all this "quality" time with her rambunctious family?</p>

<p>Miss Quinces/Srta. Quinces is the first graphic novel published by Scholastic/Graphix to be simultaneously released in English and Spanish editions!</p>

<p>Making Friends 2 - Back To The Drawing Board</p>

<p>Dany, Madison, and... wait -- another Dany?! -- must navigate some very complicated friendships while trying to capture a magical dog that is turning their town upside down!</p>

<p>Almost everything is going great for Dany. She and Madison are still best friends, she still has her magic sketchbook, and the new school year is looking up. But when Dany creates a duplicate of herself to secretly help with homework and raise her social status, the two of them accidentally unleash a magical dog that wreaks supernatural havoc on the town. Now, with the big school dance coming up, time is running short for Dany, Madison, and their friends to set things right before the night is completely ruined!</p>

<p>Stars In Their Eyes: A Graphic Novel</p>

<p>A Stonewall Honor Book</p>

<p>In this lighthearted YA romance, Maisie and Ollie discover that nothing beats the feeling of falling in love for the first time.</p>

<p>Maisie is on her way to Fancon! She's looking forward to meeting her idol, Kara Bufano, the action hero from her favorite TV show, who has a lower-leg amputation, just like Maisie. But when Maisie and her mom arrive at the convention center, she is stopped in her tracks by Ollie, a cute volunteer working the show. They are kind, charming, and geek out about nerd culture just as much as Maisie does. And as the day wears on, Maisie notices feelings for Ollie that she's never had before. Is this what it feels like to fall in love?</p>

<p>Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, this graphic novel debut is a fresh, one-of-a-kind story that celebrates the excitement of meeting someone special for the first time.</p>

<p>Invisible: A Graphic Novel</p>

<p>For fans of New Kid and Allergic, a must-have graphic novel about five very different students who are forced together by their school to complete community service... and may just have more in common than they thought.</p>

<p>Can five overlooked kids make one big difference?</p>

<p>There’s George: the brain</p>

<p>Sara: the loner</p>

<p>Dayara: the tough kid</p>

<p>Nico: the rich kid</p>

<p>And Miguel: the athlete</p>

<p>And they’re stuck together when they’re forced to complete their school’s community service hours. Although they’re sure they have nothing in common with one another, some people see them as all the same . . . just five Spanish-speaking kids.</p>

<p>Then they meet someone who truly needs their help, and they must decide whether they are each willing to expose their own secrets to help . . . or if remaining invisible is the only way to survive middle school.</p>

<p>With text in English and Spanish, Invisible features a groundbreaking format paired with an engaging, accessible, and relatable storyline. This Breakfast Club–inspired story by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, award-winning author of Concealed, and Gabriela Epstein, illustrator of two Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel adaptations, is a must-have graphic novel about unexpected friendships and being seen for who you really are.</p>

<p>Parachute Kids: A Graphic Novel</p>

<p>**National Book Award Longlist Title**</p>

<p>**Asian/Pacific American Award Honor Book**</p>

<p>This funny, fast-paced, and heartrending story about three siblings living on their own as undocumented new immigrants is perfect for fans of New Kid and Front Desk.</p>

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<p>Suddenly, the three kids must fend for themselves in a strange new world--and get along. Starting a new school, learning a new language, and trying to make new friends while managing a household is hard enough, but Bro and Sis's constant bickering makes everything worse. Thankfully, there are some hilarious moments to balance the stress and loneliness. But as tensions escalate--and all three kids get tangled in a web of bad choices--can Feng-Li keep her family together?</p>