Akim Aliu
Akim Aliu
Akim Aliu
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Dreamer
by Akim Aliu
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Akim Aliu broke the mold as a Black hockey prodigy in a world that often didn't want him. Facing racism both on and off the ice, he turned every challenge into fuel for his dreams. His story shows why standing up matters more than ever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This graphic memoir shares the powerful journey of Akim Aliu, a professional hockey player who faced systemic racism and bullying throughout his career. Suitable for teens 13 and up, it offers an honest look at prejudice in sports and the resilience required to overcome it. Parents should be aware of mature themes around racism and social injustice presented with emotional depth.
Why we rated Akim Aliu 9IS
Akim Aliu is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Akim Aliu works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Akim Aliu as 9IS ("Intense — Social") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Racism, Bullying.
Thematically, Akim Aliu explores biography & autobiography, social topics, prejudice & racism, bullying, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography & autobiography, social topics, prejudice & racism.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IS — Intense — SocialHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781338787603
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Graphix
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Nonfiction