Fighting Words

Fighting Words is a 2019 novel for young adults by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. After escaping an abusive and neglectful past, Della and her older sister, Suki, lean on one another to navigate their lingering trauma. Della has always depended on Suki to protect her, but as they settle into life in their new foster home, Della learns the extent of Suki’s trauma and experience with abuse. In the aftermath of Suki’s suicide attempt, Della finds her strength, deconstructs the stigma of abuse, and learn the true power of sisterhood. Fighting Words is a 2021 Newberry Honor Award recipient. This study guide uses the 2021 Dial Books paperback edition.

Content Warning: This text contains graphic depictions of child sexual abuse, neglect, drug addiction, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

Plot Summary

Delicious “Della” Roberts and her sister, Suki, have grown up with an unstable home life. Because of this, Suki assumes most of the caregiving responsibilities for Della. Della has always looked to Suki for care and protection: five years previously, their mother blew up a hotel room while cooking meth and was arrested and incarcerated. Suki and Della moved in with their mother’s boyfriend, Clifton; they remained until Clifton sexually assaulted Della, after which they fled.