Fighting Words

This book amazed me with its bravery: Bradley takes on child sexual abuse and a teen suicide attempt, and she presents this story, as hard as it is, in a way that young readers can understand and process.

The voice of the narrator, 10-year-old Della, is a big draw for me: She’s tough, candid, and funny, and her personality propelled me through the book. I love that this story ultimately shows a child fighting back effectively in the darkest of circumstances.

Della begins by saying she has a “big mouth” and has been told to keep quiet and edit herself.… show more.

This book focuses on the mental health aspect of trauma and the devastating impact violence and assault can have on a young life.

Della, our ten-year-old narrator, carries a dry wit and a whole bunch of charm. I was hooked from the opening paragraph of Della showing off her new ampersand tattoo.

I literally thought, “Who is this girl? I just have to know more about her.” And boy, did I!

Della’s story is raw and real and cut me to the core. I especially loved the author’s portrayal of Della and her sister, Suki’s, impenetrable sibling bond.

This book… show more.

Mental illness can be so serious and depressing, even striking fear in some people’s hearts. Here are five of my favorite titles for young and old readers alike—award winners, all, that use excellent storytelling and beautiful writing, draw freely on humor (or at least irony), and responsibly, hopefully, honestly, sometimes disturbingly, demystify mental illness for readers wishing to walk a mile in these shoes. If you or your teen reader like your novels real and edifying, you’re sincerely welcome.

This story gently exposes the mental health fallout from long-term sexual abuse, including depression and a suicide attempt, but it’s told… show more.