About this book

Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game is an inspiring high school graphic novel memoir for readers 12 and up from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick.

High school star athlete Colin Kaepernick is at a crossroads in life. Heavily scouted by colleges and MLB as a baseball pitcher, he has a bright future ahead of him as a highly touted prospect. Everyone from his parents to his teachers and coaches are in agreement on his future. Colin feels differently.

Colin isn’t excited about baseball. In the words of five-time all-star MLB player Adam Jones, “Baseball is a white man’s game.” Colin looks up to athletes like Allen Iverson: talented, hyper-competitive, unapologetically Black, and dominating their sports while staying true to themselves. College football looks a lot more fun than sleeping on hotel room floors in the minor leagues of baseball. But Colin doesn't have a single offer to play football. Yet.

This touching graphic novel explores the story of how a young change-maker learned to find himself and never compromise. How the right decision is very rarely the easy one, but taking the road less traveled can make all the difference in the world.

Reviews

Praise for Change the Game

A Common Sense Media Selection for Books

2024 CBC Children’s and Young Adult Favorites Award – Book List: Grades 6-8

2024 CBC Librarian Favorites Award – Book List: Grades 6-8

“As I read my Brother Colin Kaepernick’s Graphic Novel Change the Game I quickly peeped The Theme of Belonging. The eternal questions We all share. Where do we belong? Where we all fit in? Who are we? What is our purpose on this God’s Planet? Who are our Peoples,Folks? Colin helps us understand by sharing the trials and tribulations he went through growing as an adopted Bi-Racial Teenager In Turlock, California. Colin got help telling his saga from Eve L. Ewing with the writing and Orlando Caicedo with the illustrations. Change the Game is a GAMECHANGER in helping us all navigate THIS THING CALLED LIFE.” - Spike Lee, Storyteller from Da People's Republic of Brooklyn

Caicedo’s colorful, expressive images of the lanky, brooding teenager and dramatic diamond and gridiron montages complement the text. This work, co-authored with noted scholar Ewing, moves swiftly and clearly through a critical time in Kaepernick’s development and will resonate with sports fans and those interested in social issues and mental health alike. – Kirkus

With engaging, multi-layered, dynamic spreads throughout, Caicedo brings Kaepernick’s story to life on the page with vibrant colors and exciting sports action. Each page offers a fresh layout, and the illustrations set the tone of each scene through color and contrast. Fans of professional football and Kaepernick will especially enjoy this work. – School Library Journal

"Change the Game offers an unforgettable lesson: how we choose to respond to adversity is the ultimate measure of our integrity and how we choose to reach unapologetically toward our dreams is the ultimate measure of self-love. This book is an inspiring reminder that no obstacle is too great to overcome when we stand in the light, care, and power of our passion and truth." - Naomi Osaka, Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Advocate

"Every young dreamer should read this book. Change the Game is equal parts captivating and emotionally riveting. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to tap into their passion and purpose to follow their dreams." - Cordae, Grammy nominated artist

"An inspiring glimpse into the intricate web of identity formation, Change the Game reveals the heart of what makes us human. If emotional resonance was a sport, Mr. Kaepernick would be winning." -Nic Stone, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Dear Martin

One of Essence Magazine’s Must-Read Books for 2023

One of The Beat’s Most Anticipated Elementary and Middle Grade Graphic Novels for Winter 2023