Fighting Words

‘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 *‘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 *‘Absolutely magnificent…I cannot get Della out of my head or my heart. Fighting Words is raw, it is real, it is necessary.’ * Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of Counting by 7s *‘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 *‘Fighting Words has so many important things to say about girls and their bodies, about agency, power and consent. Della and Suki’s story of sisterhood and found family can be challenging and affecting—it’s also funny, uplifting and ultimately triumphant. Books like this can change lives.’ * Vikki Wakefield, author of This Is How We Change the Ending *‘Fighting Words deftly guides readers through some very dark places and safely back into the light. Della’s voice is feisty and true, her emotional journey compelling. Respecting its readership, this beautifully written novel deals in an unflinching but age-appropriate way with difficult material and will prompt important conversations. Highly recommended.’ * Fiona Wood, author of Cloudwish *‘We need more books like this. Unflinching, funny and important, Fighting Words is for all the forgotten kids, the ones who don’t fit in, the ones who are hurt. An exceptionally written story that takes you to dark places but where you never feel unsafe, a story to make you laugh and cry and wish for a better world. I could not put it down.’ * Eleni Hale, author of Stone Girl *‘Sharp characterizations by Newbery Honoree Brubaker Bradley (The War That Saved My Life) create an essential, powerful mirror and window for any reader’ * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *‘Magnificent…An award-worthy tale about a feisty survivor, Fighting Words is a story readers will draw strength from, and Della is a heroine they’ll be unlikely to forget.’ * Bookpage (starred review) *‘Fighting Words meets the criteria of great children’s literature that manages to resonate with adults, too.’ * Bitch Media *‘This is an important and beautifully written story that is ultimately uplifting but should be given to a young person with the awareness that further discussion and support may be needed.’ * Readings *‘When sisters Della and Suki are placed with a gruff but caring foster mother after escaping from their mother’s predatory boyfriend, Della gradually adapts to stability, while Suki experiences a mental health decline. Della’s tough, straightforward narration pulls no punches as she inspires others to tell their stories when and how they can. Brubaker Bradley’s sharp characterizations create an essential, powerful mirror and window for any reader.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Gripping. Life-changing. Essential. Fighting Words is a testament to the power we have when we stand up, speak up, and stick together.’ * Donna Gephart, award-winning author of Lily and Dunkin *‘This is a book of hope.’ * Magpies *

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a Newbery Honor winner and a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She is popular for her fiction and non-fiction. Her novels The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won are Middle-Grade bestsellers. Fighting Words is her first Young-Adult book in Australia and New Zealand. Kimberly lives with her family on a farm in Tennessee.