Fighting Words

In Tennessee, Delicious "Della" Nevaeh Roberts, 10, has always counted on the fierce, wolflike love of her 16-year-old sister, Suki. Suki raised Della after their mother was incarcerated for a meth-related accident and they were left with her truck driver boyfriend, Clifton. But when Suki finds Clifton pulling down Della's underwear, the girls flee and are placed in the care of gruff foster mother Francine. Della gradually adapts to the safety of her new life, enjoying a new friendship but occasionally getting in trouble for trying to stop a physical bully in her class. For Suki, however, newfound stability results in a mental health decline that goes unchecked at first, despite Francine's attempts to get her help. Della's tough, straightforward narration pulls no punches ("I've learned that some things are almost impossible to talk about because they're things no one wants to know") as she learns the power of using her "big mouth" and inspires others to tell their stories when and how they are able. Sharp characterizations by Newbery Honoree Brubaker Bradley (The War That Saved My Life) create an essential, powerful mirror and window for any reader: "I was glad, you know, to read the book. To know it didn't only happen to me." An author's note includes resources for young readers. Ages 10-up. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. (Aug.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5 Up—Della's story starts as a flash-forward, beginning with the easy part. The easy part isn't actually easy. Della and her older sister Suki are in foster care, having run away from Clifton, the man they'd been living with since their mother was incarcerated. Clifton had threatened them for years, telling them if people found out he wasn't their father, he wouldn't be able to keep them and they'd have nothing to eat and nowhere to live. When Suki catches Clifton molesting Della, and takes pictures for evidence, the two ultimately end up in protective custody. Della is a conscientious narrator, always alerting readers to the harder parts of her story. Her tough exterior is misunderstood by her teacher, who takes issue with her language (the word "snow" is used throughout as a substitute for stronger terminology) but Della starts thriving, making friends and beginning to trust her foster mother Francine. Yet Suki is getting worse; she is plagued by nightmares, refusing to see her friends, and fighting with Della for the first time. A content warning for her suicide attempt is necessary, as the ultimate truth emerges that Suki herself was sexually molested by Clifton for eight years. Despite the horrors the sisters have endured, there is humor and warmth in this multifaceted, brave novel. Bradley creates fully developed, believable characters that readers will root for. It is heartwarming to see the sisters evolve as characters, as they begin to get help for all they have witnessed and experienced. VERDICT Raw and honest, this ultimately empowering novel is an important book for readers of all ages. Adults may want to follow up or simultaneously read the book with younger readers to discuss the difficult issues addressed.—Juliet Morefield, Multnomah County Lib., Portland, OR

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "Believable and immensely appealing, Suki, Francine, and especially Della light up [the] story . . . Readers will root for these sisters along every step of their daunting journey. Refusing to soft-pedal hard issues, the novel speaks with an astringent honesty, at once heartbreaking and hopeful." —Kirkus (starred review)

★ Perfectly balances pathos and humor [while] also showcasing the astonishing strength and resilience of children to confront, and eventually heal from, trauma and sexual abuse. . . . Unforgettable." —The Horn Book (starred review)

★ "Always an engaging and smooth writer, Bradley here unfurls a tale that initially recalls Paterson's classic Great Gilly Hopkins but then adds layers of complexity . . . It's a sensitive exploration of the way people can suffer in different ways and need different things, and characterization is deft and vivid . . . Stirring . . . Satisfying . . . Rewarding." —BCCB (starred review)

★ "Despite the horrors the sisters have endured, there is humor and warmth in this multifaceted, brave novel. Bradley creates fully developed, believable characters that readers will root for. . . . Raw and honest, this ultimately empowering novel is an important book for readers of all ages." —SLJ (starred review)

★ "This story, no PSA, is an honest slice of a difficult life—unvarnished, painful, and raw, [and] Della is a powerhouse of a protagonist . . . Prepare to read furiously." —Booklist (starred review)

★ "Della's tough, straightforward narration pulls no punches as she learns the power of using her 'big mouth' and inspires others to tell their stories when and how they are able. Sharp characterizations by Newbery Honoree Brubaker Bradley create an essential, powerful mirror and window for any reader." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ "Bradley handles these tough subjects in ways that are enlightening, empowering and—yes—uplifting . . . Fighting Words is a story readers will draw strength from, and Della is a heroine they'll be unlikely to forget." —BookPage

"Gripping. Life-changing. Essential. Fighting Words is a testament to the power we have when we stand up, speak up, and stick together. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's talent is extraordinary. I am awe-struck." —Donna Gephart, award-winning author of Lily and Dunkin

"It will go down as one of the best books, one of the most important books, ever written for kids." —Colby Sharp of Nerdy Book Club

"The remarkable thing about this book is how infinitely enjoyable it is, in spite of some of the terrible and terrifying content. I picked it up and simply found myself unable to put it down. The VOICE on its 10-year-old narrator Della is one for the history books. One of the best of the year." —Betsy Bird for A Fuse #8 Production/SLJ

"Fighting Words extend[s] the legacy of [Laurie Halse Anderson's] Speak [and] meets the criteria of great children's literature that manages to resonate with adults too. [Readers] will learn about mental health, poverty, addiction, the foster-care system, the importance of consent, and, finally, the importance of destigmatizing these all-too-common stories. The importance and value of speaking." —Bitch Media

"Rather than shielding her readers, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley arms them with Fighting Words, a compassionate, truthful, and beautiful story about the trauma of sexual abuse and the remarkable power of sisterhood." —Elana K. Arnold, Printz Honor-winning author of Damsel

"I am blown away. This is a powerful, necessary book about a difficult subject, written with honesty, tenderness, and consummate craft. Della's story will burrow deep into your heart. Fighting Words may be Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's best work yet." —Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Maybe He Just Likes You

"I wish all children were lucky enough that the first time they encountered dark and difficult things, it was not through a swift and sudden rift in their real lives, but within the safe pages of a story. This beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful book is a place where readers can build strength and resilience, page by page, with the gift of opening, closing, and discussing in their own time and at their own pace. And for those who have, till now, felt alone in their hurtful past, this is a book that lets them know they have never been alone. And never will be." —Kat Yeh, award-winning author of The Truth About Twinkie Pie

"Absolutely magnificent. The voice on this girl—I cannot get Della out of my head or my heart. Fighting Words is raw, it is real, it is necessary, a must-read for children and their adults—a total triumph in all ways." —Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7s