Ordinary Hazards

In this memoir in verse, award-winning writer Nikki Grimes shares the story of her difficult childhood as the daughter of a paranoid schizophrenic, alcoholic mother. Placed in a foster home after her grandmother refused to take her in, she finally found normalcy with a loving family only to be returned to her mother and subjected to abuse by her mother's new boyfriend. Fortunately, her father began to take an active role in her life as did her older sister and an English teacher who saw her potential as a writer. Teens who have faced similar difficulties are sure to find hope in this well-written memoir though other young adults will certainly find this book engaging as well.