Hazard

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with unexplainable outbursts of anger or is trying to process a family trauma that they cannot quite put into words. This verse novel follows Hazard, a middle school football player who is sidelined after an aggressive hit on the field. Through a required writing assignment with a therapist, Hazard begins to peel back the layers of his frustration, eventually revealing the deep impact of his father's combat injury and the subsequent changes to their family dynamic. It is a powerful choice for families navigating the visible and invisible scars of military service. It provides a roadmap for how to move from silence and shame toward vulnerability and healing. The novel in verse format makes it highly accessible for reluctant readers, offering a realistic look at the complicated process of making amends and finding one's voice again. It is ideally suited for children ages 9 to 12 who are navigating big emotions and life transitions.