The world of Aku · by Micah Johnson

Crazy dreams
can be caught.

Meet Aku, a young dreamer in an astronaut helmet.

Explore the Book
// THE BOOK · NYT BESTSELLER
#6 NYT Bestseller Aku: Journey to Ibra book cover by Micah Johnson, Penguin Random House
dream bigger.

Blast off into Aku's electrifying sci-fi debut.

A strange helmet. A distant planet. A boy who has to dream bigger than ever. Ages 8–12.

Learn More →

“A dynamic series opener ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes adventure.”  Kirkus Reviews

where it all begins

Can astronauts be Black?

A young boy asked it out loud. Micah Johnson, a Major League ballplayer who traded the diamond for a paintbrush, answered with Aku: a young dreamer in an astronaut helmet, and living proof that crazy dreams can be caught.

A child coloring an Aku Fun Zone activity sheet with colored pencils
// AKU’S ACTIVITIES HQ

Print. Color. Play.

Free activity sheets from the world of Aku. No screens required.

Open Activities HQ →
N°01 Books Fast-paced adventures. Read → N°02 Aku Store Kids. Adults. Gear up. Shop → N°03 Sculptures Customize your own Aku. Create →
design your own

Make your
own Aku.

From a 5-foot keepsake to a 20-foot landmark. Make one that's entirely yours.

Create your own →
Assembly Complete
Create your own →
From 5 feet to 20 feet and beyond · Micah Johnson
// AKU IN THE COMMUNITY

We show up for kids,
in a real way.

Every dream matters. Backpacks, school visits, and books: every effort is one more way to reach as many kids as we can, in person.

  • 5,000+Backpacks given to kids
  • $250K+Raised for the program
  • 1MKids reached: the goal
Micah Johnson speaking to students at the I PROMISE School Micah Johnson at an author visit in Chicago Micah Johnson presenting at Park Tudor School Aku yellow backpack giveaway at the I PROMISE School Micah Johnson with students and the Chicago White Sox

Micah comes
to your school.

From the I PROMISE School to packed gymnasiums, Micah shares his path from the Major Leagues to the New York Times, and leaves every kid ready to chase their own dream.

"Several of the teachers said it was the best author visit we have ever had here."

Erin Burnett · Librarian, Croft Middle School · Nashville
Interested in a visit? →
Indianapolis Akron Los Angeles New York Beacon York, ME Chicago Plainfield Nashville Minneapolis Miami Philadelphia San Francisco Arlington Atlanta Las Vegas
Micah Johnson speaking on stage beside an Aku All-Star Game figure
// THE CREATOR

Micah Johnson

A former Major League Baseball player turned artist and New York Times bestselling author. His work has reached the cover of TIME and Christie's, and his character Aku has brought collectors together on six continents. He's living proof that impossible dreams can be caught.

See his work →
// FINAL TRANSMISSION
every dream needs a beginning

Your journey to Ibra
starts now.

Join Aku, and the million kids learning that crazy dreams can be caught.