Della is only 10 years old and she has seen more trauma than most people see in a lifetime. Her mother, a meth addict, is in prison, and she and her sister suffered abuse from the man who later took them in. The one thing she has always had is her older sister Suki, who staunchly protected and sheltered her. Now Della and Suki are with Francine, a matter-of-fact foster mother who doesn't even pretend to be very motherly. Della is the kind of kid who swears and fights and tries to get by any way she can, but when Suki succumbs to her own trauma, Della has to learn new ways to speak up. It sounds heavy and depressing, but it is neither. There is humor and lightness and a deep bond of sisterhood. All books by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley are gems, and this one is no exception. In a world where children are frequently the victims of sexual abuse, this book may be a lifesaver to some and a gateway to empathy for others. For adults as well as children, it is a beautiful, engaging story that stands on its own. Highly recommended for all readers ages 10-up.
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