Ordinary Hazards (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The most significant event is a detailed and frightening attempted sexual assault by a male houseguest known as Mr. T; while the act is not completed, the physical struggle and intent are graphic as he pins her down. Other references include unwanted attention from men in the neighborhood and occasional mentions of Nikki's body maturing and the unwanted gaze that follows. The prose captures the predatory nature of certain adults in her childhood environment. There are no descriptions of consensual sexual activity…

Physical violence is recurring, primarily from a stepfather who is described as physically abusive toward both Nikki and her mother. Descriptions of being hit, the resulting bruises, and the constant fear of his presence are stark and contribute to the book's realistic depiction of a volatile domestic environment. In one instance, he throws a dinner plate, and in another, he uses his belt to instill fear. The violence is never glorified but serves to document the 'ordinary hazards' of her childhood. There are also…

Profanity is infrequent and used for realism within the context of high-stress situations or to reflect the harsh environment of Nikki's upbringing. It does not dominate the text, though occasional uses of 'hell', 'damn', and stronger epithets appear during moments of intense familial conflict or street encounters. The language is reflective of a young person trying to navigate a world that is often hostile. Because the book is written in verse, the impact of specific words is heightened by their placement on the…

Alcohol consumption is mentioned in the context of her mother's instability and the social environment of the adults around her, though it is not the primary focus of the memoir. Characters are seen drinking at parties or using alcohol as a coping mechanism for their own traumas. There are references to the smell of liquor on breath and the way alcohol fuels the unpredictable tempers of the adults in Nikki's life. The text portrays substance use as a contributing factor to the lack of safety in her childhood home…

Heavy focus on maternal schizophrenia and the resulting instability, the foster care system, parental abandonment, and the healing power of writing and faith. Nikki experiences the trauma of being separated from her sister, Carol, and the uncertainty of living with various foster families. The book explores the complexities of loving a parent who is mentally ill and often dangerous or negligent. The narrative also tracks Nikki's burgeoning identity as a writer and how poetry serves as a lifeline. Ultimately, the…