Fighting Words
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley · · 2020
This realistic middle-grade novel follows young Della and her older sister Suki as they adjust to life in a safe foster home after being removed from an abusive household. As Suki struggles under the weight of past trauma, Della learns the importance of finding her own voice to speak the truth and seek healing. The story offers a poignant look at sisterly loyalty, resilience, and the journey toward recovering from sexual abuse, severe emotional, and physical harm.
- Age range
- Ages 14–99
- Category
- High School Reads
- ISBN
worldview score
Content ratings
0 means absent, 5 means heavy and central.
Heads up: language, sexual content, scary content feature prominently in this book.
Parent notes
Fighting Words addresses extremely heavy and sensitive topics, including child sexual abuse, domestic trauma, and teen suicide attempts. While the book highlights themes of healing, truth-telling, and the safety of a compassionate foster home, the subject matter is intense and emotionally demanding. Parents may want to read this alongside mature middle-grade readers or reserve it for older children, using it as an opportunity to discuss body safety, trusted adults, and seeking help when facing severe hardship.
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Discussion questions
- 1How do simple everyday comforts in Francine's safe home—like warm meals, clean sheets, and snow—help Della notice beauty in a world that previously felt dark?
- 2Compare the ways Della shows loyalty to Suki with how Nevaeh offers friendship to Della at school; what does true support look like when someone is carrying a heavy secret?
- 3When Suki feels overwhelmed by guilt for not protecting Della sooner, how does Della extend grace to her sister, and what helps Suki begin to forgive herself?
- 4Describe a moment when seeing Suki's silent emotional pain helps you understand why Della felt so protective and determined to speak up for her.
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