Scan barcode
jackelz's review
“In Canada, skating is the language everyone can speak. You do a crossover, or score a goal, and all of a sudden you’re approachable. You’re one of them. I felt that. And it felt nice.”
Akim Aliu is a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player who experienced systemic racism at every turn. From being the only Black child in his Ukrainian community, to his family struggling to make ends meet while living in Toronto, this book highlights his adolescent years through his hockey career.
I saw someone else’s review that said, “I’m not sure my students will know who this is,” and all I could think was, “isn’t that the point?” I didn’t know who Akim Aliu was either, but I’m a sucker for memoirs and athletics, so it was an automatic purchase for me. This graphic novel is targeted at younger readers, and it’s so important for kids to see themselves reflected in the books they read. His message is an important one, too.
Secondary to Akim’s story, I loved his parents love story so much. Their story would make a fantastic romance novel, just saying. As a family, they faced so much adversity, and it was truly inspiring to see them come out on top.
I love that he’s helping make hockey more inclusive for all.
thenextgenlib'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.
haileyannereads's review
5.0
I am a huge hockey fan and I remember when the Hockey Diversity Alliance was started, but I did not know Akim Aliu's story
It is so infuriating to read how such a promising player was treated so horribly that his career flopped. He stood up for himself and was punished and labeled as difficult. Unfortunately, this is a familiar story.
I'm so glad that Aliu is telling his story and working towards improving the toxic culture of hockey.
It is so infuriating to read how such a promising player was treated so horribly that his career flopped. He stood up for himself and was punished and labeled as difficult. Unfortunately, this is a familiar story.
I'm so glad that Aliu is telling his story and working towards improving the toxic culture of hockey.
ness's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Ableism, Racial slurs, Bullying, Racism, and Gaslighting
frazierlauren12's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I liked the message.
claudiaslibrarycard's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Ooof, this hit even harder than I expected it to. I had never heard of Akim Aliu, but as a lover of graphic memoirs I eagerly picked it up at the library. My familiarity with hockey is limited to Letterkenny and Shoresy. It turns out that a lot of those depictions are actually based something.
Akim is biracial and his parents have an incredible story of facing adversity to marry and then to immigrate for the sake of their children. Canada is the place they chose for opportunity for their sons, not planning for their youngest to fall in love with hockey. Hockey brings Akim great joy and serious suffering as he experiences the racism rampant in the sport.
This memoir is not lighthearted, but it is so well done. I appreciate that even though it is YA, the gross and violent nature of racism in hockey was shown honestly. I do think some particular events were softened around the edges, but the basics are there.
I think this is a powerful read for those who love memoirs, graphic novels, hockey, sports, or any combination of those.
Akim is biracial and his parents have an incredible story of facing adversity to marry and then to immigrate for the sake of their children. Canada is the place they chose for opportunity for their sons, not planning for their youngest to fall in love with hockey. Hockey brings Akim great joy and serious suffering as he experiences the racism rampant in the sport.
This memoir is not lighthearted, but it is so well done. I appreciate that even though it is YA, the gross and violent nature of racism in hockey was shown honestly. I do think some particular events were softened around the edges, but the basics are there.
I think this is a powerful read for those who love memoirs, graphic novels, hockey, sports, or any combination of those.
camillatd's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
A brutal but hopeful story of racism in hockey and one player's journey to overcome it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
katie_in_creativeland_'s review
5.0
I was gifted this book from the librarians at the school I work at and I really enjoyed this story. This story is a graphic novel memoir that tells the story about how his parents met, how he ended up where he did along his journey, and everything his parents did and sacrificed for him to play hockey in Canada. It also tells the horrific story of what happens within the hockey leagues, but what he took away from the experience was strength and willingness to not allow the cruelty to continue.
antonique_reads's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Bullying, and Emotional abuse