“DREAMER” TO BE PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 7, 2023
(Photo courtesy of Akim Aliu)
SCHOLASTIC AND KAEPERNICK PUBLISHING ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION
OF UKRAINIAN-NIGERIAN-CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYER
AKIM ALIU’S GRAPHIC NOVEL MEMOIR IN FEBRUARY 2023
NEW YORK, NY —May 5, 2022 — Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, and Kaepernick Publishing, Colin Kaepernick’s publishing company, today announced plans to publish Dreamer, a graphic novel memoir by professional athlete and activist Akim Aliu about his life growing up in Ukraine and Canada, the systemic racism he faced throughout his childhood and hockey career, and how he spoke out against it with integrity and bravery.
Dreamer is co-written by Akim Aliu and Greg Anderson Elysée and illustrated by Karen De La Vega. The book will be published February 7, 2023 by Scholastic Graphix and Kaepernick Publishing and is aimed at middle grade readers ages 8-12. In an exclusive offer, the agreement includes world rights and all languages for print, eBook, and audiobook formats.
“I have lived all over the world and seen both the beauty and the ugly side of humankind,” said Akim Aliu. “For the longest time I wondered, ‘Why me? Why does everything seem to be so much more difficult for me than most other kids? Is it my skin color, or because of where I come from?’ Today, I can say that I’m grateful to have gone through all of those trials and tribulations so I can pass on these lessons and experiences, and create a smoother path for the next Dreamer.”
“With honesty and courage, Akim Aliu’s Dreamer will inspire readers of all ages to move confidently in the direction of their future,” said Colin Kaepernick. “Not only does Akim’s story speak to the power of dreams, but his persistence in the face of adversity can inspire us to build a better world for the next generation.”
“We are honored to know Akim and to publish his graphic memoir, Dreamer,” said Debra Dorfman, VP and Publisher, Scholastic Global Licensing, Brands & Media. “He has endured so much in his life even to this day, as his family and friends fight for their lives in Ukraine. Akim translates life lessons he has endured into something positive for all kids, resulting in a message of hope that is beautifully conveyed in this powerful graphic novel.”
Scholastic and Kaepernick Publishing recently released the New York Times bestselling picture book I Color Myself Different written by activist, change-maker, athlete, and author Colin Kaepernick and illustrated by Eric Wilkerson.
ABOUT DREAMER
By Akim Aliu and Greg Anderson Elysée, Illustrated by Karen De La Vega
Scholastic Graphix / Kaepernick Publishing | Publication Date: February 7, 2023
Ages 8-12 | $14.99 USD, $19.99 CAD | Paperback | ISBN 978-1-338-78760
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.
About Akim Aliu
Akim Aliu is the son of a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother. Born in Nigeria, he spent his youth there and in Ukraine before moving to Toronto. A hockey prodigy, Akim was drafted into the NHL at age 18, and played for the Calgary Flames. He experienced systemic racism, hazing, and abuse at every level of competitive hockey — from Pee Wee hockey to the NHL — but has never stopped dreaming of a world where every kid, regardless of background, can be accepted for who they are (and play hockey, of course).
In May 2020, Akim wrote an article for The Players’ Tribune, entitled “Hockey Is Not for Everyone,” where he identifies the racism and violence he endured as a Black athlete within the sport of hockey. He has since founded the Time to Dream Foundation and is the chairman and co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance to continue his mission to eradicate racism and intolerance in youth sports.
About Greg Anderson Elysée
Greg Anderson Elysée is a Brooklyn born. Haitian-American writer, educator, filmmaker, and model. He has been teaching various forms of filmmaking, including narrative and documentary, from elementary level to the elderly since 2012. A former journalist for theOuthousers.com, he also ran his own column, (Heard It Thru) The Griot Vine, where he showcased independent creators of color and LGBTQ creators. He also wrote for the independent pop culture news website Bleeding Cool.
Greg's original comic series "Is'nana: The Were-Spider" is a five-time Glyph Award Winner. His other work includes "The Gentleman: Darkness of the Void" and "Marassa," both published by Evoluzione Publishing, “OneNation: Stronghold” published by 133art Publishing, and work in the Lion Forge graphic novel collection "Puerto Rico Strong." He lives in Brooklyn.
About Karen De la Vega
Karen De la Vega was born and raised in the northern mountainous city of Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. After spending her childhood being grounded for drawing in class, she entered a bachelor's degree in psychology to better understand her creative mind and human consciousness. Upon graduating in 2021, Karen decided to accept her madness and dedicate herself to illustration and comic art. She is always seeking to convey meaningful messages and aesthetics through her art, applying her knowledge in child and adolescent psychology to develop concepts that visually align with the exciting characters, environments, and stories of Middle Grade and Young Adult projects. Dreamer, her first published work, will release in Spring 2023.
About Kaepernick Publishing:
Founded by Colin Kaepernick in 2019, Kaepernick Publishing strives to elevate a new generation of writers with diverse views and voices through the creation of powerful works of all genres that can build a better and more just world. kaepernickpublishing.com
About Scholastic:
For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
Scholastic Media Contact:
Naomi Duttweiler | NDuttweiler@Scholastic.com
Scholastic Canada Media Contact:
Nikole Kritikos | NKritikos@Scholastic.ca
Kaepernick Publishing Media Contact:
Press@KaepernickPublishing.com
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