A compelling graphic novel memoir, Dreamer by Akim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysée and Karen De la Vega is a book that needs to be shared with all young athletes, especially hockey players.

I love the format of this graphic novel. Akim Aliu is telling us his life story and what a compelling story it is. At times the writing team of Alim Ali’s and Greg Anderson Elysée breaks the fourth wall speaking directly to the readers, inviting us into his story. I like that the book begins at the major inciting incident, his fight with Steve Downie in major junior, then takes us back and forth through time. It’s not linear which really kept my interest and kept me invested in the story.

All of the information in the book is public knowledge and easily searched. Akim has written articles and tweeted about his experiences trying to make his way to the NHL, and I love how this book for young readers pulled no punches. It is an honest account of his experiences, it named names and called out the incidents for what they were. Nothing has been left out and nothing has been glossed over. It’s an indictment of a system that is deeply flawed and must change. I love that he also acknowledged the people who helped him along the way. His own family, his billet families and friends in hockey.

I know that many young athletes will see their stories reflected in Akim’s story. Many children come to Canada from all over the world. They will see themselves reflected in the pages and know that they shouldn’t let anyone take away their dreams. They will also see the amazing work being done to make hockey more inclusive. Readers who have lived in Canada since birth and have been indoctrinated into the culture of hockey, will gain a greater understanding of what they need to do to be good teammates and allies inside and outside of the rink. This is a book for all the readers who have big dreams, to stay true to themselves and not let anything take those dreams away.

Karen De La Vega’s art is spectacular. She has captured the real life people in the story perfectly. The dark, bold colours feel like you are under the fluorescent lights of the hockey rink and set the tone for the story. It’s a story of strength but also a story of struggle. The illustrations are powerful and the bold just like the content of the text.