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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?
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Violence
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!
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:
Username: STCC ID number
Password: Last name in capital letters.
Additional Resources and Accessibility
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website:
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