Review: Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes' Ordinary Hazards is a powerful and moving novel in verse that explores the complexities of race, identity, and family. Grimes' writing is lyrical and evocative, and she deftly captures the nuances of her characters' experiences. This is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature or social justice issues.

Ordinary Hazards

by Nikki Grimes

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7660 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE

The Story

Ordinary Hazards tells the story of Charlese Jones, a young black girl growing up in a predominantly white town. Charlese is a bright and talented student, but she often feels like an outsider. She struggles to fit in with her white classmates, and she is constantly aware of the racism that surrounds her.

As Charlese gets older, she begins to question her own identity. She is not sure whether she is black or white, and she feels like she doesn't belong in either world. She also struggles with her relationship with her mother, who is a strong and independent woman but who is also struggling with her own demons.

Despite the challenges she faces, Charlese is determined to find her place in the world. She eventually finds solace in her writing, and she discovers that she is not the only one who has struggled with issues of race and identity.

The Characters

Charlese Jones is a complex and well-developed character. She is intelligent, creative, and resilient, but she is also struggling with her identity and her place in the world. Readers will be able to relate to Charlese's experiences, and they will root for her as she overcomes the challenges she faces.

Charlese's mother is another well-developed character. She is a strong and independent woman, but she is also struggling with her own demons. Readers will be able to understand Charlese's mother's struggles, and they will sympathize with her as she tries to do what is best for her daughter.

The Themes

Ordinary Hazards explores a number of important themes, including race, identity, and family. Grimes does not shy away from difficult topics, and she tackles them with honesty and sensitivity. Readers will be challenged to think about their own beliefs and assumptions about race and identity.

Ordinary Hazards is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it. Grimes' writing is lyrical and evocative, and she deftly captures the nuances of her characters' experiences. This is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature or social justice issues.

About the Author

Nikki Grimes is an award-winning author of children's and young adult books. She has written over 30 books, including novels, picture books, and poetry collections. Grimes' work has been praised for its honesty, sensitivity, and lyricism. She has received numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the NAACP Image Award.

Ordinary Hazards is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it. Grimes' writing is lyrical and evocative, and she deftly captures the nuances of her characters' experiences. This is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature or social justice issues.

Ordinary Hazards

by Nikki Grimes

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7660 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE