Fighting Words

Ten-year-old Della lives with her older sister Suki and their mother in a run-down Kentucky apartment. When their mother abandons them, they enter foster care and are placed with Francine, a foster parent who provides structure and support. As the sisters adjust to their new living situation, Della begins to process trauma from her past while watching Suki struggle with her own demons. Their relationship with Francine grows stronger as they learn to trust and open up about their experiences. At school, Della faces challenges but finds her voice through writing assignments and new friendships. She discovers ways to stand up for herself and others, while working to understand complex family dynamics. The novel tackles difficult themes of abuse, trauma, and healing through the perspective of a young narrator coming to terms with her past. It examines how siblings protect each other and the role trusted adults can play in helping children rebuild their lives.

Readers describe Fighting Words as an impactful book that handles trauma and abuse with care while maintaining hope. Parents and teachers note it helps open discussions about difficult topics with middle-grade readers. Readers appreciated: - The authentic sister relationship - The main character's strong voice and humor - Clear content warnings at the start - How serious issues are addressed age-appropriately - The foster care representation Common criticisms: - Some felt it was too heavy for the target age group - A few found the ending resolved too neatly - Occasional mentions of pacing issues in the middle Ratings: Goodreads: 4.47/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 (parents), 4/5 (kids) "This book gave my students language to discuss hard things," noted one teacher reviewer. A parent wrote: "The author balances the weight of the subject matter with moments of light and hope."

Just Lucky by Melanie Florence A teenage girl in foster care must navigate trauma, family relationships, and personal identity while uncovering her inner strength.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden A middle school student living in poverty learns to find her voice while dealing with domestic challenges and class differences.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams A thirteen-year-old girl confronts internalized racism, family instability, and self-worth as she moves to a new neighborhood.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley A disabled girl escapes an abusive parent during World War II evacuations and discovers her capabilities in a new home.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang An immigrant girl manages her family's motel while facing discrimination, financial hardship, and the complexities of helping others in need.

📚 Author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley based some elements of Della's story on her own experiences with childhood sexual abuse, which she revealed publicly for the first time through this book. 🏆 Fighting Words won a 2021 Newbery Honor and the 2021 Odyssey Award for best audiobook production for children. 💪 The book tackles difficult subjects like abuse and trauma while incorporating moments of humor and hope, notably through the main character's use of the substitute word "snow" for cursing. 🤝 The story emphasizes the power of sisterly bonds and found family, showing how Della's relationship with her older sister Suki helps both of them survive and heal. 📖 Bradley consulted with child psychologists and abuse survivors while writing the book to ensure sensitive and accurate portrayal of trauma recovery.