Ordinary Hazards
A Memoir
by Nikki Grimes
National Geographic Books 2019
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and healing
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- family
- mental illness
- foster care
- trauma and healing
- identity
- power of writing and art
- hope
About this book
In this memoir in verse, acclaimed poet Nikki Grimes reflects on a childhood shaped by foster care, family instability, and her mother’s mental illness—and the lifeline she found in words. Through vivid, musical poems, she traces her journey from hardship to hope, showing how creativity and faith helped her persevere. Teens who enjoy powerful true stories and verse narratives will be drawn in by the honesty, resilience, and artistry on every page. A strong choice for readers who like memoir, poetry, and stories of survival and self-discovery.
Setting: New York City (Harlem and beyond), 1950s–1970s; foster homes and schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ordinary Hazards right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ordinary Hazards. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include resilience, family, mental illness.
How long does it take to read Ordinary Hazards?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ordinary Hazards takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ordinary Hazards have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ordinary Hazards has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Ordinary Hazards?
Ordinary Hazards has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.