By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Some secrets are too big to keep. Some words are too important not to say.
“Fighting Words” is a powerful novel that tackles difficult but important themes with honesty and compassion. The story follows ten-year-old Della and her sixteen-year-old sister Suki as they navigate life in foster care after escaping their mother’s abusive boyfriend. When Suki attempts suicide, Della realizes she needs to find her voice and speak up about the trauma they’ve experienced. This book has received significant recognition for its unflinching yet age-appropriate handling of trauma, abuse, and recovery.
This book provides an exceptional resource for educators addressing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by exploring mental health, trauma healing, and the importance of supportive relationships. Della exemplifies being Principled through her unwavering commitment to standing up against injustice, and Reflective as she processes her experiences and learns when to stay quiet and when to speak up.
Teachers can use this book to initiate discussions about consent, boundaries, and the importance of seeking help when needed. Consider pairing with journaling activities where students reflect on times they needed to use their “fighting words” or create class agreements about respecting others’ boundaries. While the subject matter is challenging, the book’s hopeful tone and supportive adult characters provide a framework for discussing difficult topics with sensitivity.
