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jade13's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Cursing
noodlesny's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Emotional abuse, Racism, Bullying, and Cursing
jenlouisegallant's review
3.0
Because it's a memoir I don't feel like I can comment on the story much itself, but the graphics were well done and I felt like the story was conveyed in a interesting way. I just wished there was more about the end of his career, as someone who isn't very familiar with hockey.
ngreader's review
4.0
Honestly, this book should be rated 2 or 3 stars if it weren't for the fact that it is someone's actual story.
I loved learning about Akim Aliu but the book was very poorly written and paced. I think this book should've been marketed towards teenagers, especially since so much of Aliu's story is told when he was 16 and because some of the conversations held would go over middle-schooler's heads - but is perfect for teens. Also, there's a lot of swearing (that does get scribbled out) but that is essential for the story to be told and just isn't something that I would shelve in the juvenile section of the library. It's far better suited for a teen audience, specifically young teens (14-15).
I loved learning about Akim Aliu but the book was very poorly written and paced. I think this book should've been marketed towards teenagers, especially since so much of Aliu's story is told when he was 16 and because some of the conversations held would go over middle-schooler's heads - but is perfect for teens. Also, there's a lot of swearing (that does get scribbled out) but that is essential for the story to be told and just isn't something that I would shelve in the juvenile section of the library. It's far better suited for a teen audience, specifically young teens (14-15).
thenextgenlibrarian's review
5.0
An honest portrayal of systemic racism in the world of hockey as told by @dreamer_aliu78 in this graphic novel memoir.
literaryk's review
4.0
I do love a graphic memoir. Aliu has a relatable and engaging way of storytelling. In the novel, a young Aliu walks through his memories to tell his story. The narrator Aliu ages throughout sections of the story in different times than how his story self ages, which got a little confusing. With the time jumps, you really have to pay attention to the panels and plot. While presenting Aliu's life story, we are also introduced to the racism (systemic and social) found within hockey. Overall, this is what I call a "heavy light" read.
weweresotired's review
4.0
If you're a hockey person, you know Aliu's story of the racism and abuse he faced from the very moment he first laced up. This graphic novel delves into Aliu's early life in Ukraine, and all the sacrifices his family made to eventually get to Canada, before covering the more familiar story of juniors and professional hockey. There are some times where the narrative flashes forward for a page without any real indication that that's what happened, which can be confusing. But the character design/artwork is cute (I'll forgive them for not putting the face shields or visors on all of the players' helmets) and I think the story is accessible to people outside of the hockey world.
Probably more of a 3-3.5 star but I'm giving it the "this subject matter is really important" bump.
Probably more of a 3-3.5 star but I'm giving it the "this subject matter is really important" bump.