Notable poet, essayist, storyteller and children’s author, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s latest collection of poems, ‘You Need More Than Dreams’ is a collection of didactic and instructive poems targeted at young people and teenagers.
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi has received great acclaim locally and internationally for his literary acumen and writing talent, which has seen him publish eighteen books with many literary awards won in equal measure.
His latest collection of poems, “You Need More Than Dreams”, mirrors the experiences of teenagers—their fears, concerns, and fantasies.
The Newcastle-based author cum Financial Crime Compliance Consultant previously had stints working as an Associate Mentor for Year 9 Students at St Mary’s School, Cheshunt and as an Inclusion Mentor for Year 11 Students at Barnwell School, Stevenage. The poet who has mentored many people who have achieved outstanding results in life believes that many young people go astray because of youthful exuberances, peer pressure, or other vices associated with their young age.
This collection of poems addresses many issues close to the heart of young people and this is an important book for the present and future generations.
Synopsis of ‘You Need More Than Dreams’:
‘You Need More Than Dreams’ is a collection of didactic and instructive poems targeted at young people and teenagers. Childhood and teenage years are formative. During this time, whatever habits, choices, and decisions one makes have a way of directing the course of one’s life. Their impact can be lasting. It is for this reason that the poet has written this collection, to help younger generations navigate this sensitive time.
More than being a handbook, the poems also mirror the experience of teenagers—their fears, concerns, and fantasies.
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi is the author of A Booktiful Love, which won the poetry category at the Best Indie Book Awards, and Inferno of Silence, which won the short stories category in the Indie Reader Discovery Awards.
Tolu’ said, “I am delighted to see this book in print. This is a collection of poems that I believe will resonate with many young people.
Continuing, “This collection is one that I hope would help young people make wise choices, whether it’s dealing with peer pressures or any form of vulnerabilities.’
Sandro E. comments, ‘It makes sense putting “The Outsiders” vibes plus Social Movements into his poetry book. That’s words that reminded me of my teenage days in my neighborhood, lifestyle, insecurities.
I liked it every poem.’
Misse J. adds, “I enjoyed this collection of poems. It is great for its intended audience!
What I found to be engaging most about this collection of poetry is that each poem is written with its intended audience/demographic in mind: youth and teenagers. It is an instructive style of poetry that essentially is a call to action and a way to help kids and teens navigate personal and social issues that they are faced with daily. His style has been described also as didactic and I think that the term describes well his manner of writing and connection to his audience.”
‘You Need More Than Dreams’ is available now:
https://tolutoludo.com/shop.html and https://theroaringlionnewcastle.com/shop/
About the Author:
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi (also known as Tolutoludo & the Lion of Newcastle) is a multiple award-winning author in the genres of poetry, short stories, children’s literature, and essays.
His works include Dead Lions Don’t Roar (poetry, 2017); Unravel Your Hidden Gems (essays, 2018); Dead Dogs Don’t Bark (poetry, 2018); Dead Cats Don’t Meow (poetry, 2019); Never Play Games With the Devil (poetry, 2019); Inferno of Silence (short stories, 2020); A Booktiful Love (poetry, 2020); Black ≠ Inferior (poetry, 2021); Never Marry a Writer (poetry, 2021); Everybody Don Kolomental (poetry, 2021); I Wear Self-Confidence Like a Second Skin (children’s literature, 2021); I Am Not a Troublemaker (children’s literature, 2021); Born in Lockdown (poetry, 2021); A god in a Human Body (poetry, 2022); If You Have To Be Anything, Be Kind (children’s literature, 2022); City of Lost Memories, (poetry, 2022); Awaken Your Inner Lion, (essays, 2022); On The Train To Hell, (poetry, 2022); You Need More Than Dreams (poetry, 2023); and The Morning Cloud is Empty (poetry, forthcoming – March 2023).
He is a co-founder of Lion and Lilac, a UK-based arts organisation, and sits on the board of many organisations.