Garfield's Sunday Finest
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

Fighting Words

Ten-year-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom’s boyfriend took them in, Della had Suki. When that same boyfriend did something so awful they had to run fast, Della had Suki. Suki is Della’s own wolf–her protector. But who has been protecting Suki? Della might get told off for swearing at school, but she has always known how to keep quiet where it counts. Then Suki tries to kill herself, and Della’s world turns so far upside down, it feels like it’s shaking her by the ankles. Maybe she’s been quiet about the wrong things. Maybe it’s time to be loud.

In this powerful novel that explodes the stigma around child sexual abuse and leavens an intense tale with compassion and humor, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley tells a story about two sisters, linked by love and trauma, who must find their own voices before they can find their way back to each other.

More 7-13, Juvenile Books

  • In Just Because, a curious child bombards their patient father with questions about the world, from the color of the ocean to the fate of the dinosaurs. As bedtime approaches, the father responds with increasingly imaginative answers, creating a delightful bedtime experience for both little ones and their parents.
  • A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial–a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas. Full of wordplay [...]
  • Seventh grade is set to be a challenging year for Merci Suárez, who finds herself navigating the complexities of school, friendship, and family. As she grapples with her inability to dance and the changes brought on by her grandfather's Alzheimer's, she learns important lessons about love, trust, and self-acceptance. Merci Suárez Can’t Dance offers a heartfelt and humorous look at growing up and discovering the many forms of love.
  • An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian.