Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 Gr 3–7—Aliu always dreamed of being able to play the game he loved, hockey, but his journey wasn't easy. He shares stories from his life, beginning with his parents' love story, a mixed-race relationship met with disdain and ire in the USSR in 1978. Once his family moved to Canada, his struggles didn't end, but that's where he found hockey. He excelled at the sport but often felt different from other players, which was made worse by the numerous instances of systemic racism he experienced on and off the ice. He was hazed, physically attacked, and called racial slurs. He never lost his love for the sport and worked hard to speak up against the abuse. He cofounded the Hockey Diversity Alliance, a non-profit organization designed to introduce hockey to Indigenous and other young players of color and, hopefully, make hockey a better place for them. This graphic memoir chronicles key points in Aliu's life leading up to, during, and following his hockey career, jumping from the past to the present in a sometimes nonlinear way that is easy to follow. While there are a few passages that are text-heavy, they're complemented by the dynamic illustrations that expertly capture the tone and emotions of the scenes. There are multiple instances of blood and violence that may be upsetting for some readers. Derogatory terms and profanity are mostly scratched out, but the terms are still legible. VERDICT This gripping graphic memoir chronicling a boy's hockey dream coupled with systemic racism is a must-purchase.—Myiesha Speight - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2023 Targeted toward middle-grade readers, this powerful graphic memoir captures Akim Aliu’s challenging, complex, and harrowing journey to achieve his dream of playing professional hockey. Gut-wrenching and vividly detailed (with, for instance, frank inclusions of some of the racist language he endured), the story begins with the challenges that Aliu’s parents endured as an interracial couple in the 1980s, then moves to the struggles that he and his family faced living in Nigeria, Russia, and Canada, and concludes with his battles with bigotry and racism as he worked toward being drafted into the NHL. While it may be difficult for some young readers to witness the microaggressions, bullying, hazing, harassment, and vicious assaults that Aliu faced as a young hockey player, it will certainly be appreciated by those who believe in the importance of unmasking the ugly face of and negative impact of racism, particularly in the world of sports. With well-drawn artwork and an important story, this will educate and inspire many preteen readers. Contains racist language. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.