Fighting Words

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's "Fighting Words" is a candid and emotionally charged middle grade novel that addresses the profound impact of child sexual abuse and the resilience of sisterhood. Narrated by ten-year-old Della, the story begins with her older sister, Suki, attempting suicide, a devastating event stemming from past trauma. The girls have already endured their mother's imprisonment and an abusive situation with her boyfriend, with Suki always acting as Della's fierce protector. Now, Della must learn to find her own voice and speak out about the unspoken truths to help Suki heal and for them to find their way back to each other. The book balances its intense subject matter with moments of compassion and humor, offering a powerful narrative about healing, self-discovery, and the importance of breaking the silence around difficult experiences. It is recommended for ages 10-14, with careful consideration for its mature themes.

A candid and fierce middle grade novel about sisterhood and sexual abuse, by two-time Newbery Honor winner and #1 New York Times best seller Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of The War that Saved My Life. Ten-tear-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom's boyfriend took them in, Della had Suki. When that same boyfriend did something so awful they had to run fast, Della had Suki. Suki is Della's own wolf -- her protector. But who has been protecting Suki? Della might get told off for swearing at school, but she has always known how to keep quiet where it counts. Then Suki tries to kill herself, and Della's world turns so far upside down, it feels like it's shaking her by the ankles. Maybe she's been quiet about the wrong things. Maybe it's time to be loud. In this powerful novel that explodes the stigma around child sexual abuse and leavens an intense tale with compassion and humor, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley tells a story about two sisters, linked by love and trauma, who must find their own voices before they can find their way back to each other. - Publisher.