Fighting Words

The award-winning author of Abuelita and Me explores the power of language in this energetic, imaginative picture book that takes readers on a wild word chase.

When Ali’s cousin rips his favorite book, angry words explode out of him. The words are so angry, they come to life! They tease Ama, wreak havoc on their abuelita’s home, and crash through the neighborhood. Ali didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but now that the words are on the loose, it’s up to him to catch them--and to repair the damage they’ve done.

Acclaimed illustrator Erika Medina brings Ali’s word monsters to life in this fun and fast-paced exploration of anger, accountability, and resolving conflict.

LEONARDA CARRANZA was raised in Tkaronto, and born in Cuscatlán (El Salvador) to a mixed-race family of Afro-Indigenous ancestry. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Justice Education from the University of Toronto. She is the winner of Briarpatch Magazine’s Writing in the Margins contest, and Room’s 2018 short forms contest. Leonarda lives in Brampton, ON, part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.

ERIKA MEDINA is a Mexican illustrator and book publicist living and working in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is interested in storytelling, myths and legends, and scary stories. Erika is the illustrator of several picture books, including Margot and the Moon Landing, 48 Grasshopper Estates, and Adela’s Mariachi Band (August 2024).