Ordinary Hazards

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with a heavy past, family instability, or the need to process trauma through a creative outlet. This memoir in verse follows Nikki Grimes's real-life journey through the foster care system, her mother's struggle with schizophrenia, and the presence of an abusive stepfather. It is a raw and honest portrayal of a child who feels invisible, but who eventually finds her voice and armor through the power of writing. While the subject matter is intense, the book serves as a vital reminder that one's history does not have to dictate one's future. Recommended for ages 12 and up, this is an excellent choice for mature readers who appreciate lyrical storytelling and need to see resilience modeled. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about mental health, the complexities of family love, and how to use art as a survival mechanism. It validates the experiences of kids who have faced 'ordinary hazards' and offers a hopeful roadmap for navigating life's most difficult chapters.