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Hazard
A kid filled with rage, suspended from the football team for unsportsmanlike conduct, and his father, newly home from the war in Afghanistan, reckon with the injuries they’ve caused to others and themselves in this unflinching middle grade novel in verse about love and forgiveness.
Hazard’s a military kid, best known for his prowess at football, and his short fuse. His dad’s been in Afghanistan, third tour. The worry and the pressure over school and his dad are getting to Hazard until one day, the fuse sets off and the repercussions have him benched for six games and assigned to go to therapy. Which is where his dad is as well, at Walter Reed Medical Center, because he’s home now—well, most of him. Hazard’s dad’s now learning to walk with a prosthetic, but that’s not his primary injury. His worst wound is a moral what he did on the battleground that he may never be able to forgive himself for.
As part of Hazard’s therapy, he has to trace back the causes of his own anger by tracing back his father’s journey, through letters and emails and texts, so that he can come to terms with what he himself has done—his own moral injury—and help his father overcome his own.
Hazard’s a military kid, best known for his prowess at football, and his short fuse. His dad’s been in Afghanistan, third tour. The worry and the pressure over school and his dad are getting to Hazard until one day, the fuse sets off and the repercussions have him benched for six games and assigned to go to therapy. Which is where his dad is as well, at Walter Reed Medical Center, because he’s home now—well, most of him. Hazard’s dad’s now learning to walk with a prosthetic, but that’s not his primary injury. His worst wound is a moral what he did on the battleground that he may never be able to forgive himself for.
As part of Hazard’s therapy, he has to trace back the causes of his own anger by tracing back his father’s journey, through letters and emails and texts, so that he can come to terms with what he himself has done—his own moral injury—and help his father overcome his own.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 10, 2022
4 people are currently reading
1698 people want to read
About the author
Frances O'Roark Dowell
45 books402 followersWhile Frances O'Roark Dowell (Dovey Coe, The Secret Language of Girls, Trouble the Water) is best known for her award-winning novels, she also hosts the popular "Off-Kilter Quilt" podcast, where she talks about her latest quilt projects with friends and fellow quilters around the globe. Her own little corner of the globe is Durham, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and a dog named Travis. Connect with her online at FrancesDowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 6, 2022
Man what a good book.
I picked up it up off one of our public library's new reads shelves earlier this afternoon, and it was all I could do not to just sit down right then and there and read it before going back home.
Was initially intrigued by it because it was written from the perspective of a 13- or 14-year-old boy, and that's right about where we are with The Precious Nephews. Wasn't expecting to have it be _such _ a powerful book about war and its myriad and horrific rippling effects.
Very much appreciated the look it gave me into the lives of military families.
Here's a link to an actual review proper of Hazard, in case you're in the market for more than one of my visceral Book Reports:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I picked up it up off one of our public library's new reads shelves earlier this afternoon, and it was all I could do not to just sit down right then and there and read it before going back home.
Was initially intrigued by it because it was written from the perspective of a 13- or 14-year-old boy, and that's right about where we are with The Precious Nephews. Wasn't expecting to have it be _such _ a powerful book about war and its myriad and horrific rippling effects.
Very much appreciated the look it gave me into the lives of military families.
Here's a link to an actual review proper of Hazard, in case you're in the market for more than one of my visceral Book Reports:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 24, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher.
Through emails with his therapist as well as other documents and texts, Hazard works through the anger that got him suspended from the football team after hurting another player. His anger centers around his father, who returned from Afghanistan with a leg blown off and who refuses to see Haz and his younger brother.
Haz's journey through understanding how his actions created consequences mirrors his father's, who we hear from in emails sent to Haz's mother from the war zone. While the subject is a bit tough for middle grade, most of the violence happens off-page except for a dry government description of the explosion that injured Haz's father. I really felt for Haz, being essentially abandoned by both parents and left with a grandmother who didn't seem to care much and his younger brother, who also has issues. Haz resists therapy but still completes assignments, and the therapy progresses with a very realistic two steps forward, one step back progress. There aren't many books about families dealing with the fallout of a parent in the Gulf War (the only one I can think of is The Impossible Knife of Memory) and this is a great addition.
Through emails with his therapist as well as other documents and texts, Hazard works through the anger that got him suspended from the football team after hurting another player. His anger centers around his father, who returned from Afghanistan with a leg blown off and who refuses to see Haz and his younger brother.
Haz's journey through understanding how his actions created consequences mirrors his father's, who we hear from in emails sent to Haz's mother from the war zone. While the subject is a bit tough for middle grade, most of the violence happens off-page except for a dry government description of the explosion that injured Haz's father. I really felt for Haz, being essentially abandoned by both parents and left with a grandmother who didn't seem to care much and his younger brother, who also has issues. Haz resists therapy but still completes assignments, and the therapy progresses with a very realistic two steps forward, one step back progress. There aren't many books about families dealing with the fallout of a parent in the Gulf War (the only one I can think of is The Impossible Knife of Memory) and this is a great addition.
April 8, 2022
WOWOWOW
Hazard by Frances O’Roark Dowell is a great read.
The book is about Hazard Stokes, a kid who loves football. He plays football for his school and is proud of the job he does on the field. Until one day, he plays too hard and takes down a kid with a wrong move. Now Hazard has to go into Anger Management with a therapist. NOT that Hazard believes he needs it.
The book is written with Hazard’s emails and writing assignments. Occasionally there is an email or note from his mom or dad. The majority of the book are words from Hazard that really highlight the situation he and his family are dealing with. His dad came home from Afghanistan minus a leg and with a “moral injury.” Hazard has a lot to figure out including his path forward.
The book is a serious WOW and I will be sharing this cool book with other teachers and parents. Hazard by Frances O’Roark Dowell is a great read!
Hazard by Frances O’Roark Dowell is a great read.
The book is about Hazard Stokes, a kid who loves football. He plays football for his school and is proud of the job he does on the field. Until one day, he plays too hard and takes down a kid with a wrong move. Now Hazard has to go into Anger Management with a therapist. NOT that Hazard believes he needs it.
The book is written with Hazard’s emails and writing assignments. Occasionally there is an email or note from his mom or dad. The majority of the book are words from Hazard that really highlight the situation he and his family are dealing with. His dad came home from Afghanistan minus a leg and with a “moral injury.” Hazard has a lot to figure out including his path forward.
The book is a serious WOW and I will be sharing this cool book with other teachers and parents. Hazard by Frances O’Roark Dowell is a great read!
September 26, 2022
Quick read. Powerful writing. Through a series of emails, texts and journal entries we see a young man’s interaction with his therapist. His dad has been injured in war and the boy has been in trouble at school for aggressive behaviour.
July 9, 2023
What a heart wrenching story of war, PTSD, and anger. I really enjoyed how Frances used text messages and emails to tell the story (and poetry) and how there were prompts in it that the main character, Hazard, had to process and write about. I think this would make a great book for discussion groups and as a mentor text.
September 11, 2023
Three and a half - good book for boys
February 21, 2022
I liked this book. I read an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) and thought the format was unique and provoking.
Our main character, Hazard, the best I could tell is in middle school. I think the voice is definitely more high school. The maturity of his writing doesn't read as middle school. (My reason for 4 stars instead of 5.)
The exchange of emails and answering questions from his therapist is an interesting way to get the point of what happened.
I would definitely read more by the author.
Our main character, Hazard, the best I could tell is in middle school. I think the voice is definitely more high school. The maturity of his writing doesn't read as middle school. (My reason for 4 stars instead of 5.)
The exchange of emails and answering questions from his therapist is an interesting way to get the point of what happened.
I would definitely read more by the author.
October 30, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Hazard should be used to having his parents in the military, since both his mother and father have served for most of his life, but he still didn't quite expect his father to come home missing a leg after a bombing. He seems to be dealing with it... until he tackles someone much too strenuously on the football field. In order for him to come back to the team, he has to go to counseling, and his story is told through texts to friends, e mails with his counselor, interviews with relatives, and older e mails that his father sent to his mother from Afghanistan. His father is now at Walter Reed Medical Center, recuperating and getting fitted for a prosthetic leg. Hazard and his brother Tyler have been to see him a few times, and Hazard knows he should be grateful that his father is still alive. It's hard, though, especially when he starts to realize that his father is also struggling to come to terms with the incident in Afghanistan that led to his injury. Hazard thought that losing a leg would be hard for his father, but it turns out that there are even tougher psychological injuries that need to be addressed. It's not easy for Hazard to come to terms with all of these things, and his anger still is manifesting itself on the football field. Will he be able to understand the root cause of his anger so that he can continue on, hopefull on the football field as well?
Strengths: There are not a lot of books that deal with military families, and the plight of a parent coming home from serving and being injured is one that could use a lot more discussion. Hazard's family life is supportive, and both of his grandmothers step in from time to time to help. It seems like everything is holding together... until it's not. I think that anger issues are often a bit surprising, and the way that Hazard's emotional state is shown is done very well. The questions and answers with the therapist really get to the root of his problems, and we see this unfold at the same time he does. This reminded me a bit of Meyer's Monster in the construction of the format. The text is brief but really packs a punch.
Weaknesses: I had hoped there would be more football in the book, and the short e mails and nonlinear format occasionally makes it harder to understand what's going on.
What I really think: This was an intriguing, short read that might resonate with reluctant readers. It's a rather different type of book than Dowell usually writes, but it definitely fills a niche, and is an excellent book to describe and explain some of the causes of PTSD.
Hazard should be used to having his parents in the military, since both his mother and father have served for most of his life, but he still didn't quite expect his father to come home missing a leg after a bombing. He seems to be dealing with it... until he tackles someone much too strenuously on the football field. In order for him to come back to the team, he has to go to counseling, and his story is told through texts to friends, e mails with his counselor, interviews with relatives, and older e mails that his father sent to his mother from Afghanistan. His father is now at Walter Reed Medical Center, recuperating and getting fitted for a prosthetic leg. Hazard and his brother Tyler have been to see him a few times, and Hazard knows he should be grateful that his father is still alive. It's hard, though, especially when he starts to realize that his father is also struggling to come to terms with the incident in Afghanistan that led to his injury. Hazard thought that losing a leg would be hard for his father, but it turns out that there are even tougher psychological injuries that need to be addressed. It's not easy for Hazard to come to terms with all of these things, and his anger still is manifesting itself on the football field. Will he be able to understand the root cause of his anger so that he can continue on, hopefull on the football field as well?
Strengths: There are not a lot of books that deal with military families, and the plight of a parent coming home from serving and being injured is one that could use a lot more discussion. Hazard's family life is supportive, and both of his grandmothers step in from time to time to help. It seems like everything is holding together... until it's not. I think that anger issues are often a bit surprising, and the way that Hazard's emotional state is shown is done very well. The questions and answers with the therapist really get to the root of his problems, and we see this unfold at the same time he does. This reminded me a bit of Meyer's Monster in the construction of the format. The text is brief but really packs a punch.
Weaknesses: I had hoped there would be more football in the book, and the short e mails and nonlinear format occasionally makes it harder to understand what's going on.
What I really think: This was an intriguing, short read that might resonate with reluctant readers. It's a rather different type of book than Dowell usually writes, but it definitely fills a niche, and is an excellent book to describe and explain some of the causes of PTSD.
May 30, 2022
I first met Frances O'Roark Dowell’s writing with Dovey Coe, (recommended to me by an eighth grader) which I loved, so an offering of an ARC of her newest work by Net Galley was an automatic answer. Hazard, her latest offering is very different but equally outstanding.
Hazard Stokes, named for the town where he was born in Kentucky, has been kicked off the football team for unsportsmanlike conduct. He tells his story primarily through his own emails to his therapist – with attachments as needed – interspersed with a few text messages to other people. This method builds a closeness and empathy to Hazard as the reader has a feeling of reading his personal mail.
Protesting his ousting from the team and insisting that he doesn’t really need any therapy only assures the reader that both were necessary. Hazard is a military kid whose father has returned from Afghanistan with an injury that will ultimately mean a prosthetic leg. His mother has left him with Granny so she can be with his father in the hospital.
Hazard is the best defensive back in Cumberland County. Just ask him, and he’ll tell you. He will also tell you that it is not his practice to play dirty. So why did he make a bad hit and lose the chance to play ball? And why does his dad refuse to let him come visit in the hospital? What are both of them dealing with beyond the happenings in their lives that has brought change to their personalities?
This book takes the reader into the reality of being a military kid with a parent who is dealing with PTSD and all its ramifications. In spite of its sharp look at the reality, the book is laced with subtle humor and compassion. It will be a mirror to the military kids and a window to the other middle schoolers for whom it was written. As usual, I will also recommend that if you have aged past middle school, don’t let that stop you from a really good read.
Hazard Stokes, named for the town where he was born in Kentucky, has been kicked off the football team for unsportsmanlike conduct. He tells his story primarily through his own emails to his therapist – with attachments as needed – interspersed with a few text messages to other people. This method builds a closeness and empathy to Hazard as the reader has a feeling of reading his personal mail.
Protesting his ousting from the team and insisting that he doesn’t really need any therapy only assures the reader that both were necessary. Hazard is a military kid whose father has returned from Afghanistan with an injury that will ultimately mean a prosthetic leg. His mother has left him with Granny so she can be with his father in the hospital.
Hazard is the best defensive back in Cumberland County. Just ask him, and he’ll tell you. He will also tell you that it is not his practice to play dirty. So why did he make a bad hit and lose the chance to play ball? And why does his dad refuse to let him come visit in the hospital? What are both of them dealing with beyond the happenings in their lives that has brought change to their personalities?
This book takes the reader into the reality of being a military kid with a parent who is dealing with PTSD and all its ramifications. In spite of its sharp look at the reality, the book is laced with subtle humor and compassion. It will be a mirror to the military kids and a window to the other middle schoolers for whom it was written. As usual, I will also recommend that if you have aged past middle school, don’t let that stop you from a really good read.
April 22, 2022
Hazard by Frances O’Roark Dowell
Hazard Stokes is a well known football player in his local county. When he makes a bad hit during the first game of the season, he gets thrown off the field and into therapy. Therapy standing in his way of getting back onto the field.
Hazard denies that he has any anger issues or on going issues at home but there is a small problem…his dad is at Walter Reed Medical Center getting fitted for a prosthetic leg, one that he lost from an IED blast in Afghanistan, and refuses to let Hazard or his brother come visit.
Over the course of the book, Hazard slowly comes to understand “how the body keeps score when bad things happen to the people you love, and how the anger and confusion one can fell can turn into violence.”
First off, Thank you to #netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
This book was short but amazing. I felt emotion for the characters and it really put into perspective what young children struggle to go through when a parent comes home injured from war. I think this book will make a relatable resource for children in todays world, and would make a great addition to any local library or school library. I love that it is written in verse which made it a quick read and easy to pick up and set down when needed.
My Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️💫 /5
Goodreads Average Rating: 4.04/5
* 160 Pages
* Publication Date: May 10, 2022
* Fiction/Middle Grade
* Emotional/Reflective
* Medium Paced Read
* Written in Verse
**Some of these triggers may contain spoilers**
⚠️ Triggers/Warnings ⚠️
* War
* Injury
* Suicide
* Grief
* Violence
Hazard Stokes is a well known football player in his local county. When he makes a bad hit during the first game of the season, he gets thrown off the field and into therapy. Therapy standing in his way of getting back onto the field.
Hazard denies that he has any anger issues or on going issues at home but there is a small problem…his dad is at Walter Reed Medical Center getting fitted for a prosthetic leg, one that he lost from an IED blast in Afghanistan, and refuses to let Hazard or his brother come visit.
Over the course of the book, Hazard slowly comes to understand “how the body keeps score when bad things happen to the people you love, and how the anger and confusion one can fell can turn into violence.”
First off, Thank you to #netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
This book was short but amazing. I felt emotion for the characters and it really put into perspective what young children struggle to go through when a parent comes home injured from war. I think this book will make a relatable resource for children in todays world, and would make a great addition to any local library or school library. I love that it is written in verse which made it a quick read and easy to pick up and set down when needed.
My Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️💫 /5
Goodreads Average Rating: 4.04/5
* 160 Pages
* Publication Date: May 10, 2022
* Fiction/Middle Grade
* Emotional/Reflective
* Medium Paced Read
* Written in Verse
**Some of these triggers may contain spoilers**
⚠️ Triggers/Warnings ⚠️
* War
* Injury
* Suicide
* Grief
* Violence
April 10, 2022
Have loved Dowell’s heartfelt books since the early 2000s when both “Where I’d Like to Be” and “Chicken Boy” made the Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee list for grades 3-6. “Hazard” is far more powerful than those two and is geared to a slightly older audience. Hazard’s dad has returned home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan a little early and for the worst of reasons: a life-changing injury sustained during a bombing. Unsurprisingly, the entire family’s lives are upended and one of the effects is an illegal tackle resulting in harm to a player and mandatory counseling for Hazard. Told through texts with his best friend, emails between Hazard and his doctor, and interviews with family members, the pain, confusion and anger felt by this intelligent 8th grader comes through loud and clear. Dowell’s ability to turn a phrase and describe those feelings is phenomenal and I dare anyone to read this and not feel differently when the last page is turned. The actual bombing is included but the author’s vivid language means that she does not have to resort to blood and gore to get the traumatic event across to readers. There are 3 instances of the word “damn” that are purposeful in their use, but that, and the age of the main character, and the intensity of his feelings may make placement of this book more appropriate for grades 6-9. Highly recommended for readers in that age group.
Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
March 5, 2022
Read this book! I plan to purchase several copies for my middle school library. Hazard is one of those unique novels that will resonate with anyone who reads it. Hazard is a young man in eighth grade who has just been suspended from playing football because he was becoming too aggressive. Hazard's story is told through emails and texts between he and his mother, father, buddy and therapist. Hazard must see a therapist to be able to play ball again. He needs to understand what caused him to lash out the way he did. As you read through the emails and texts you learn that Hazard's father lost a leg in Afghanistan and returned stateside to a military hospital to recover. His mother is staying at the hospital with his father and Hazard and his annoying brother are living with their grandmother until dad comes home. Hazard is a funny kid and it turns out he has a flare for writing. Hazard's answers to the therapist's questions are so raw and honest as he comes to understand how he feels the effects of his father's injury and how he needs to deal with the anger before he hurts someone else. The language and format make it perfect for middle school, reluctant readers will be drawn to the ease of the format.
Excellent choice for classroom reading, book clubs or teen groups. Many, many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read an ARC.
Excellent choice for classroom reading, book clubs or teen groups. Many, many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read an ARC.
April 18, 2022
Novel in verse
I received an electronic ARC from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Hazard's dad was injured in Afghanistan and the family is coping with the aftermath of him losing a leg. The story focuses on Hazard and is told via texts and emails. Hazard is one of the best Safeties in his county and he either makes a mistake or a dirty hit early in the season. His coach, who doesn't get enough credit, pulls him and insists he get counseling. Kudos to a coach that astute. Hazard is resistant but does the work to get back to his team. Readers see the entire story unfold through emails Hazard sends his counselor, Mr. Barth, that include his thoughts written in verse and his answers to questions and workbook pages designed to make Hazard think and look at his emotions, actions, etc.
Though the resolution is a bit abrupt, O'Roark Dowell pulls readers in to see the world through this young man's eyes. Few book look at the aftermath of war injuries from the child's perspective and this fills that gap. It's told in a style middle school, and perhaps older, readers will relate with. Even reluctant readers will look at this shorter book.
I received an electronic ARC from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Hazard's dad was injured in Afghanistan and the family is coping with the aftermath of him losing a leg. The story focuses on Hazard and is told via texts and emails. Hazard is one of the best Safeties in his county and he either makes a mistake or a dirty hit early in the season. His coach, who doesn't get enough credit, pulls him and insists he get counseling. Kudos to a coach that astute. Hazard is resistant but does the work to get back to his team. Readers see the entire story unfold through emails Hazard sends his counselor, Mr. Barth, that include his thoughts written in verse and his answers to questions and workbook pages designed to make Hazard think and look at his emotions, actions, etc.
Though the resolution is a bit abrupt, O'Roark Dowell pulls readers in to see the world through this young man's eyes. Few book look at the aftermath of war injuries from the child's perspective and this fills that gap. It's told in a style middle school, and perhaps older, readers will relate with. Even reluctant readers will look at this shorter book.
May 14, 2022
Hazard by @offkilterquilt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @simon.audio for my #gifted audiobook copy of Hazard.
🌙𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑏: “A kid filled with rage, kicked off the football team for unsportsmanlike conduct, and his father, newly home from the war in Afghanistan, reckon with the injuries they’ve caused to others and themselves in this unflinching middle grade novel in verse about love and forgiveness. Everybody knows Hazard Stokes has mad football skills. A defensive back, he’s never played dirty (no need for that when you’re as good as he is) so it’s a shock when he makes a bad hit the first game of the season and gets thrown off the field. Now Coach won’t let him back on the team until a therapist gives the thumbs up. At first, Haz denies there’s a problem, but over time he starts to get it: When your dad’s at Walter Reed Medical Center getting fitted for a prosthetic limb to replace a leg lost in an IED blast (and won’t let you come visit him while he’s there), it might make you angry enough to hurt somebody... …Through emails, texts, and family interviews, Haz slowly begins to understand how the body keeps score when bad things happen to people you love, and how the anger and confusion you feel can become the violence you commit. Both Hazard and his dad have to come to terms with the suffering they’ve caused other people—and themselves”
🌙𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤: This book is format is written/narrated in a very unique way -thru letters, text and emails- of interactions between Haz, the therapist and the rest of the family, making it perfect for young women/man to understand and be drawn to it. I found this book to be very powerful for middle age kids and adults and especially with kids and parents in the military. Is thought provoking, wholesome, where very delicate subjects are discussed in such a kind manner I would love my kids to read when older.
🌙𝑁𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: by Michael Crouch, Matt Godfrey and Madeleine Maby, this narration is special; Super powerful and moving. It translates the desperation of this teenage and his family trying to cope with life after and during the war. I loved it.
🌙𝑃𝑢𝑏 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒: Happy Pub Week! Out Now.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @simon.audio for my #gifted audiobook copy of Hazard.
🌙𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑏: “A kid filled with rage, kicked off the football team for unsportsmanlike conduct, and his father, newly home from the war in Afghanistan, reckon with the injuries they’ve caused to others and themselves in this unflinching middle grade novel in verse about love and forgiveness. Everybody knows Hazard Stokes has mad football skills. A defensive back, he’s never played dirty (no need for that when you’re as good as he is) so it’s a shock when he makes a bad hit the first game of the season and gets thrown off the field. Now Coach won’t let him back on the team until a therapist gives the thumbs up. At first, Haz denies there’s a problem, but over time he starts to get it: When your dad’s at Walter Reed Medical Center getting fitted for a prosthetic limb to replace a leg lost in an IED blast (and won’t let you come visit him while he’s there), it might make you angry enough to hurt somebody... …Through emails, texts, and family interviews, Haz slowly begins to understand how the body keeps score when bad things happen to people you love, and how the anger and confusion you feel can become the violence you commit. Both Hazard and his dad have to come to terms with the suffering they’ve caused other people—and themselves”
🌙𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤: This book is format is written/narrated in a very unique way -thru letters, text and emails- of interactions between Haz, the therapist and the rest of the family, making it perfect for young women/man to understand and be drawn to it. I found this book to be very powerful for middle age kids and adults and especially with kids and parents in the military. Is thought provoking, wholesome, where very delicate subjects are discussed in such a kind manner I would love my kids to read when older.
🌙𝑁𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: by Michael Crouch, Matt Godfrey and Madeleine Maby, this narration is special; Super powerful and moving. It translates the desperation of this teenage and his family trying to cope with life after and during the war. I loved it.
🌙𝑃𝑢𝑏 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒: Happy Pub Week! Out Now.
October 1, 2022
Hazard’s dad is just about ready to return home from his fourth and final deployment, but days before his departure, his leg is blown off with an IED. Now Hazard’s mom has gone to stay with him at Walter Reed Hospital, leaving Hazard and his brother with their grandmother, and a whole lot of anger. Things come to a head, when Hazard, a star football player on the eighth grade team, is suspended for hitting and as a result must get therapy.
This short MG story is a series of texts, emails and interviews between Hazard, his therapist, his best friend and his family, which helps us develop an understanding of Hazard’s feelings and thoughts. We gain insight into the stresses that a military deployment plays on the entire family, not just the service man or woman and how helpful therapy can be for the entire family.
This story, a must for elementary and middle school library shelves, will have you cheering for Hazard and his family, and saying thank you to his therapist. It’s a good reminder of how grateful we need to be, not only for the men and women in the armed services, but also their families.
October 18, 2022
I was beyond excited for this book, but unfortunately I just feel MEH after finishing it. I appreciate what the author set out to do, and I believe the topic of combat-wounded post-9/11 veterans (and their families!) is one that NEEDS to be addressed in fiction, especially for older kids. This one missed the mark for me though. As the spouse and caregiver of a wounded Afghanistan veteran, a huge chunk of my life is about these injuries: physical, mental, emotional, and moral. I wish the book dug into that more, and I think the book could have been longer. I was excited that it was a novel in verse, but it didn't work for me personally. I kept picturing Hazard, and what I imagined him to be like didn't match up with the voice I was getting in the book (and it CERTAINLY didn't match up with the picture on the cover). I also work with middle schoolers on a daily basis, and none of the 500 kids I work with would ever actually write like that.
I wanted to love the book and I applaud the author for giving it a shot, but as someone who works with middle schoolers and cares for a combat-wounded vet, it just didn't feel authentic enough for me.
I wanted to love the book and I applaud the author for giving it a shot, but as someone who works with middle schoolers and cares for a combat-wounded vet, it just didn't feel authentic enough for me.
May 2, 2024
4.5/5
I was surprised by how much I genuinely enjoyed and appreciated Hazard. I read this book because I had picked it as part of my middle grade Language Arts curriculum on narratives in verse, and I thought it would be a book that might appeal to some of my students. (I was correct about this.) The summary alone was not particularly appealing to me, but the writing was excellent.
Frances O'Roark Dowell uses a mixture of formats to tell Hazard's story (including documents, emails, text exchanges, etc.), but primarily the story is told through his communications with his therapist, due to his anger in the wake of his father's war-related injury. This is a difficult topic that O'Roark Dowell has chosen to write about, particularly for a middle grade audience, but she does it with tremendous empathy and care.
I also want to highlight the fact that Hazard genuinely sounds like a middle schooler. I find that a lot of middle grade protagonists sound like a middle schooler written by an adult (and I say this as an adult who teaches middle schoolers all day), but reading Hazard's words feels authentic. I'm glad that I gave this one a chance.
I was surprised by how much I genuinely enjoyed and appreciated Hazard. I read this book because I had picked it as part of my middle grade Language Arts curriculum on narratives in verse, and I thought it would be a book that might appeal to some of my students. (I was correct about this.) The summary alone was not particularly appealing to me, but the writing was excellent.
Frances O'Roark Dowell uses a mixture of formats to tell Hazard's story (including documents, emails, text exchanges, etc.), but primarily the story is told through his communications with his therapist, due to his anger in the wake of his father's war-related injury. This is a difficult topic that O'Roark Dowell has chosen to write about, particularly for a middle grade audience, but she does it with tremendous empathy and care.
I also want to highlight the fact that Hazard genuinely sounds like a middle schooler. I find that a lot of middle grade protagonists sound like a middle schooler written by an adult (and I say this as an adult who teaches middle schoolers all day), but reading Hazard's words feels authentic. I'm glad that I gave this one a chance.
May 30, 2022
I am looking forward to seeing a print copy of Hazard. I find, from time to time, that novels in alternative formats don't always translate as well to digital media. This story is told through emails and texts and is considered a novel-in-verse. After making a dirty play (he doesn't see it that way) on the football field, Hazard must complete therapy sessions to return to the game. He is reluctant at first, but, as expected, he warms to his therapist and to the questions he's asked to answer.
Hazard's family has been through a lot. Both of his parents are in the military and his father came back injured from a recent deployment. As a result of his fear and uncertainty Hazard's anger has grown in ways he struggles to manage. The best part of this novel was the way Hazard describes the feelings that overwhelm him from time to time - I think teenage boys, especially, will find this relatable.
While the topics addressed are heavy, they are presented in a way that is totally appropriate for middle school readers and I know I have students who will love this novel.
Hazard's family has been through a lot. Both of his parents are in the military and his father came back injured from a recent deployment. As a result of his fear and uncertainty Hazard's anger has grown in ways he struggles to manage. The best part of this novel was the way Hazard describes the feelings that overwhelm him from time to time - I think teenage boys, especially, will find this relatable.
While the topics addressed are heavy, they are presented in a way that is totally appropriate for middle school readers and I know I have students who will love this novel.
May 30, 2022
The creativity and subject matter of Hazard make it an intriguing, unique book. The story sheds light on how deployment affects not just the parent, but the children. In this case, it’s Hazard Pay Stokes (aka Haz) and his younger brother, Ty. Haz is an eighth grader who ends up in counseling because of anger issues that surface after his father is injured in Afghanistan. His story is told through a series of texts (with his friend Jax) and emails and assignments (with his counselor Dr. Barth). The quick, snappy exchanges keep you turning the pages as each correspondence slowly reveals Haz’s inner turmoil. You realize rather quickly that Haz is completely unaware that his father’s injury has affected him (because it didn’t happen to him, right?) As with any young teen, Haz is not a willing participant in his counseling, but it’s clear he needs help in handling what has happened to his father and his family. Frances O’Roark Dowell does a great job highlighting the unseen scars of war in the solider and their children. A great read for students of all ages.
June 9, 2022
An ultra-fast read that does a superb job of letting the reader follow eighth grader Hazard as he struggles with denial about anger, and the circumstances surrounding his suspension from the football team after a particularly hard hit. Ordered to work with a psychologist (who never really appears in the story, save for the exercises he assigns), Hazard gradually grows in terms of insight. In the process, his answers to the assignments, coupled with forwarded emails from his father he shares with his therapist, as well as interviews he does with family members, create a background that fleshes out the dynamics behind his behavior, while showing how he begins to understand himself. Props for the author letting Hazard define most of the acronyms associated with his parents' military experiences.
This is not only a good book to hook reluctant teen readers, it serves well as one that might help kids who have some form of family trauma that affects their emotional well-being. Definitely a worthwhile choice for school and public libraries.
This is not only a good book to hook reluctant teen readers, it serves well as one that might help kids who have some form of family trauma that affects their emotional well-being. Definitely a worthwhile choice for school and public libraries.
October 14, 2023
I’m not sure how this one came to be on my reading radar – I think it’s because it’s listed as a verse novel and we all know how I feel about them – but something about it drew me in enough to reserve it at my local library, pick it up from said local library and then prioritise it over the hundreds (literally) of other books on my TBR shelves/piles.
“Hazard’s a military kid, best known for his prowess at football, and his short fuse. His dad’s been in Afghanistan, third tour. The worry and the pressure over school and his dad are getting to Hazard until one day, the fuse sets off and the repercussions have him benched for six games and assigned to go to therapy. Which is where his dad is as well, at Walter Reed Medical Center, because he’s home now—well, most of him. Hazard’s dad’s now learning to walk with a prosthetic, but that’s not his primary injury. His worst wound is a moral injury: what he did on the battleground that he may never be able to forgive himself for.
As part of Hazard’s therapy, he has to trace back the causes of his own anger by tracing back his father’s journey, through letters and emails and texts, so that he can come to terms with what he himself has done—his own moral injury—and help his father overcome his own.”
Hazard is only 146 pages long but offers so much in every carefully considered word. As Haz writes to friends, family and medical staff he sheds light on what being the child of an injured soldier can do to your own well-being. There’s something very beautiful in the way the authentic teen voice opens up as the story progresses.
The book is catalogued as middle grade but I’d say it’s YA.
I don’t often read US children’s literature so this was my first of Frances’s novel but I’m sure it won’t be my last as her back catalogue sounds pretty impressive!
“Hazard’s a military kid, best known for his prowess at football, and his short fuse. His dad’s been in Afghanistan, third tour. The worry and the pressure over school and his dad are getting to Hazard until one day, the fuse sets off and the repercussions have him benched for six games and assigned to go to therapy. Which is where his dad is as well, at Walter Reed Medical Center, because he’s home now—well, most of him. Hazard’s dad’s now learning to walk with a prosthetic, but that’s not his primary injury. His worst wound is a moral injury: what he did on the battleground that he may never be able to forgive himself for.
As part of Hazard’s therapy, he has to trace back the causes of his own anger by tracing back his father’s journey, through letters and emails and texts, so that he can come to terms with what he himself has done—his own moral injury—and help his father overcome his own.”
Hazard is only 146 pages long but offers so much in every carefully considered word. As Haz writes to friends, family and medical staff he sheds light on what being the child of an injured soldier can do to your own well-being. There’s something very beautiful in the way the authentic teen voice opens up as the story progresses.
The book is catalogued as middle grade but I’d say it’s YA.
I don’t often read US children’s literature so this was my first of Frances’s novel but I’m sure it won’t be my last as her back catalogue sounds pretty impressive!
December 9, 2022
Hazard is a skilled 8th grade football player who gets temporarily suspended from the team for anger management issues. His dad is recently home from his military assignment in Afghanistan where an IED exploded, resulting in the amputation of part of his leg. Hazard and his dad are both struggling. Hazard gets assigned therapy by his coach before he can rejoin the team.
This novel in verse tracks Hazard's progress through his therapy journals as well as some emails with his dad and texts with a friend. It also looks at the relationship between Hazard and his dad and the effect that PTSD is having on them both.
Can I think of some 8th grade boys who would benefit from reading this book? Absolutely. Can I actually picture them reading it? Not so much. While the shorter length and the mixed formats are more approachable, I still think the writing style itself is a deterrent. The journal entries do not sound like an 8th grade boy.
CW: IEDs, PTSD
This novel in verse tracks Hazard's progress through his therapy journals as well as some emails with his dad and texts with a friend. It also looks at the relationship between Hazard and his dad and the effect that PTSD is having on them both.
Can I think of some 8th grade boys who would benefit from reading this book? Absolutely. Can I actually picture them reading it? Not so much. While the shorter length and the mixed formats are more approachable, I still think the writing style itself is a deterrent. The journal entries do not sound like an 8th grade boy.
CW: IEDs, PTSD
May 12, 2022
Y'all, Hazard was such a powerful and emotional read. The book is about a kid named Hazard. Hazard has been kicked off his football team for aggression and mandated to attend therapy. He's resistant to this, but then he starts to explore his emotions through assignments from his therapists. Told through emails, text messages and reflective exercises, Hazard starts to share more and more about his family and himself. Hazard's father was injured by an IED while deployed overseas and has lost a leg, and it turns out this has had quite an impact on Hazard. The storytelling devices in this one were so masterful to show how this life-changing experience influenced Hazard's behavior and emotions. This was such an honest look into one kid trying to navigating his family's circumstances and better understand himself. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this recent release!
July 5, 2022
As a military brat, I appreciated Frances O'Roark Dowell's Shooting the Moon, which was set in the Vietnam War - a war rarely discussed with today's children. I appreciate Dowell again for writing Hazard, a story set in 2015 during the Afghanistan War. I haven't heard of any other children's book written on the traumatic effects the Afghanistan War has on American families.
The writing format is texts and emails. Do kids really talk/text like that these days? I guess; I still feel out of the loop with being a teacher and aunt...maybe that is how it's supposed to be! Anyway, I think the format will appeal to today's kids, especially reluctant readers.
I often lament about the type of content being churned out for children's literature, but this one is an exception. Recommend for middle school and high school.
The writing format is texts and emails. Do kids really talk/text like that these days? I guess; I still feel out of the loop with being a teacher and aunt...maybe that is how it's supposed to be! Anyway, I think the format will appeal to today's kids, especially reluctant readers.
I often lament about the type of content being churned out for children's literature, but this one is an exception. Recommend for middle school and high school.
April 16, 2022
Hazard is an eighth grader who loves football. His dad is a recent amputee due to an IED exploding under his truck while serving in Iraq. He is hospitalized far from home. Hazard’s mom spends most of her time at the hospital with Dad. Hazard is in therapy due to a bad hit he inflicted during a football game. Told in text messages, emails, and email attachments using free verse poetry, Hazard has a distinct voice as he attempts to take the necessary steps to rejoin his team. At first, he’s flippant. Then, he delves deeper. Hazard’s journey is an important one for middle school students to travel with him. I would recommend this for upper middle grade - 6-8, and even high school.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2022
Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.
Hazard is a middle grade novel in verse about a kid filled with rage. He must work through the anger he feels at his dad who’s been sent to Walter Reed Medical Center to be fitted for a prosthetic limb to replace a leg lost in an IED blast. His dad needs to do some healing on his own and isn’t ready for Hazard and his younger brother to visit. Not sure how to process this, Hazard takes his anger out on the field, seriously injuring another player with an unsportsmanlike hit and is sent to therapy by his football coach.
Told through emails, therapy assignments, texts, and family interviews, Hazard is a story full of suffering, love, and forgiveness.
Out now!
Hazard is a middle grade novel in verse about a kid filled with rage. He must work through the anger he feels at his dad who’s been sent to Walter Reed Medical Center to be fitted for a prosthetic limb to replace a leg lost in an IED blast. His dad needs to do some healing on his own and isn’t ready for Hazard and his younger brother to visit. Not sure how to process this, Hazard takes his anger out on the field, seriously injuring another player with an unsportsmanlike hit and is sent to therapy by his football coach.
Told through emails, therapy assignments, texts, and family interviews, Hazard is a story full of suffering, love, and forgiveness.
Out now!
June 1, 2022
Haz is a kid who is filled with rage and is kicked off the football team for unsportsmanlike conduct. His father is just home from the war in Afghanistan and is also dealing with injuries to himself and others. This middle grade novel in verse is told through a series of text messages, emails and family interviews. It is about love and forgiveness.
Haz learns how the body keeps score when bad things happen to people you love, and how the anger and confusion you feel can become the violence you commit. Both Hazard and his dad have to come to terms with the suffering they’ve caused other people and themselves.
Because it is a book that involves football and war and it is a quick read, I think it will appeal to many reluctant readers. I hope to share it with readers in my library.
Haz learns how the body keeps score when bad things happen to people you love, and how the anger and confusion you feel can become the violence you commit. Both Hazard and his dad have to come to terms with the suffering they’ve caused other people and themselves.
Because it is a book that involves football and war and it is a quick read, I think it will appeal to many reluctant readers. I hope to share it with readers in my library.
July 11, 2022
I found this book at a local restaurants little book swap shelf. I LOVE the story telling style through texts, emails, prompts and documents. I was curious about the character’s story and growth. For me, it happened too quickly and I didn’t realize I was at the end when it was happening, like it felt unfinished and rushed. However I am trying to remember it is written for middle schoolers so maybe I’m being extra! It was a good read. It didn’t take me much more than an hour and I’m glad I spent the hour reading it. 4/5 stars because I wanted more at the end, I don’t understand how the main character had a major breakthrough in one email that changed everything, as that is not my experience in therapeutic relationships and growth.
March 27, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love the story's format of text messages, emails, and interview transcripts. For younger audiences especially, these formats will feel relatable and current. There is also a nice rhythm in the narrator's poetry. This book deals with some heavy issues: violence in sports, war, moral dilemmas, etc. As a book, Hazard provides young readers with a solid intro to the experiences a military family might face in wartime.
My only detracting thought was that it was difficult at first to tell which person was speaking during the text message sections.
I love the story's format of text messages, emails, and interview transcripts. For younger audiences especially, these formats will feel relatable and current. There is also a nice rhythm in the narrator's poetry. This book deals with some heavy issues: violence in sports, war, moral dilemmas, etc. As a book, Hazard provides young readers with a solid intro to the experiences a military family might face in wartime.
My only detracting thought was that it was difficult at first to tell which person was speaking during the text message sections.
April 14, 2022
WOWZA. A short novel in verse written entirely in emails, interviews, and text messages by Hazard, a high school boy, sent to therapy for an aggressive hit during a football game. His dad is recovering in the hospital from losing a leg from an IED blast in Afghanistan and won’t let Haz come visit. Haz has much to deal with. Thinking about the consequences of one's actions echoes his dad's. Haz's writings have an underlying rhythm and momentum revealing a progression of his emotional struggles and successes of the phenomenal person he is becoming. It is one of those quick reads that stays with you long after you close the book.
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