Fighting Words

Della, the protagonist, is a 10-year-old girl who learns how to cope with her trauma after a childhood marked with abuse and neglect. Della is headstrong and unafraid to speak her mind. She narrates the story of her upbringing and how she and Suki heal from their past trauma. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley writes in first person from Della’s perspective to drive home Della’s innocence and the very real horrors of child neglect and abuse. Della’s bravery and strength come through as she explains why it is necessary for her to share her story: “I’ve learned that some things are almost impossible to talk about because they’re things no one wants to know [...] Sometimes you’ve got a story you need to find the courage to tell” (39). Though it is difficult for her to recall her time with Clifton, Suki’s abuse, and Suki’s suicide attempt, Della understands that her story is an important one.

Della represents the theme of Children Finding Their Strength. As she and Suki settle into their new life with their first safe caretaker, Della begins to mature and explore her independence. She uses foul language and lacks knowledge of common social norms, but she never fails to stand up for herself and her friends.