Ordinary Hazards
By Nikki Grimes
Nikki Grimes discovered the power of writing at the tender age of six, when, along in her room, she poured her fears, anger, and tears onto a piece of paper - and felt sweet relief. Words and faith were her most enduring companions as life flung her headlong from one harrowing experience to the next through her childhood and teenage years. Words turned what might have been into what could be. In the course of this remarkable memoir in verse, Nikki Grimes shows how grace, wisdom, and the power of words can help a brave soul conquer the hazards - ordinary and extraordinary - of life." - HELM
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Violence
Like Lawn Boy and the Nowhere Girls, the Leander Independent School District in Texas sought to remove the Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes in 2021. Nikki Grimes herself describes this banning effort, the impact on her work, and the struggle to preserve the freedom to read despite the current wave of challenges and bans.
Black-authored books have historically been targets for censorship, and modern-day banning efforts are targeting them as well. For more information, please see out Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
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Additional Resources and Accessibility
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