Fighting Words

How does the significance of the purple high-top sneakers change over the course of the story?

What role does Francine play in the text? How does the reader’s understanding of Francine’s intentions change the longer Della and Suki live at her house?

How does trauma affect Suki and Della, even after they escape Clifton’s house? Provide examples from multiple points in the story.

What is the significance of wolves within the text? What does Della’s perception of them say about her progress in dealing with her trauma?

How does shame shape Suki’s actions? How does this relate to the Traumagenic Dynamics Model framework?

What role does Della’s friend Nevaeh play in the story? How does Della learn from her and their friendship?

Compare and contrast the meanings of Della and Suki’s tattoos and what they signify for each sister.

How does this text illustrate the stigma of child sexual abuse? Choose two to three characters and examine how they represent or defy this stigma.