Fighting Words
by Kimberly Brubaker
***2021 Newbery Honor Book***
***2021 Odyssey Honor Audiobook***
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Ages 10-14. Read more about this book in our selection of best books of 2021 for teens.
Della has always had her older sister Suki to rely on: when their drug-addicted mother went to prison, when they ran away from their mother’s boyfriend, and now that they are in foster care. When Suki starts to unravel, Della’s world is turned upside down and she decides that it’s time to speak out. This is an intense story dealing with traumatic issues including sexual abuse and attempted suicide, but the story is told with compassion and humour. Ultimately it is an uplifting tale about sisterhood and finding your own voice. Says the author: “trust me: no one needs to be afraid. Hope and love win out”.
