In the vein of The Poet X and Grown, All the Fighting Parts is an acclaimed young adult novel in verse about survival, faith, healing, and a teenage girl reclaiming her voice after sexual assault within her church community.
Sixteen-year-old Amina Conteh has always believed in using her voice as a weapon, even when it gets her into trouble. But after her father makes her volunteer at their church, Amina is sexually assaulted by Pastor Johnson, a trusted community leader. The outspoken girl she once was falls quiet, while her grades, friendships, and relationship begin to unravel.
Then Pastor Johnson is arrested for another crime, dividing the community between those who condemn him and those who rush to his defense. Amina thinks his arrest means she can finally stay silent. But silence cannot give her back the life or sense of self that was taken from her.
To heal, Amina must confront what happened to her, reckon with questions of faith and trust, and find the strength to face her abuser in the courtroom and in her own heart. Told in raw, compelling verse, All the Fighting Parts is a story of survival, recovery, and the hard-won power of speaking for yourself.
A William C. Morris Award finalist, Walter Award Honor Book, ALA Rise Top Ten selection, Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Cybils finalist, and YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
Praise
“Gutsy and defiant, All the Fighting Parts is a battle hymn for loud-mouthed girls, and a searing invitation to all—but especially survivors—to speak their truth.”Joy McCullough, New York Times bestselling author
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“The sharp shift in tone and structure instantly divides Amina’s story into a stark before and after in the same way an assault can divide a life. But she, like most courageous victims, refuses to let divide define her. A heroic and candid debut.”Ashley Woodfolk, critically acclaimed author of Nothing Burns as Bright as You
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“Incredibly moving, beautifully written, and oh-so powerful, All the Fighting Parts is a stunning debut novel-in-verse. Hannah V. Sawyerr is a talent to watch.”Liz Lawson, New York Times bestselling author of The Agathas, The Night in Question, and The Lucky O
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“Perfect for readers of Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson and The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, All the Fighting Parts is an honest, brilliant, and powerful novel-in-verse. Amina’s story isn’t just about a girl who survives sexual assault. Readers will root for her as she journeys through survival, grief of losing a parent, and the role faith can play in finding oneself. A mixed media novel filled with smart writing and honest poetry, Sawyerr tackles difficult topics like religion, sexuality, and survival with tenderness and care. A must read for anyone who has ever felt the words ‘me too’ in their heart.”Dante Medema, author of The Truth Project
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“From the very first pages of All the Fighting Parts, Amina grabbed me with her will to not just survive but thrive. Raw, no-nonsense verse digs deep into Amina’s emotions as she fights her way back after sexual assault to find her voice and reclaim her life. An incredible, empowering book.”Kip Wilson, award-winning author of White Rose and The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin
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“A powerful story about what must be done with silence. Sawyerr gives us the answer that we all need to hear: Break it.”Olivia A. Cole, author of Dear Medusa
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"This book is a victory."
—Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A lightning bolt of a debut."
—Jordan Ifueko, New York Times bestselling author of Raybearer
****STARRED REVIEW*****
"Amina’s emotional growth and experiences in therapy feel authentic, leading to a satisfying ending that is properly earned. An unforgettable story of healing told through phenomenal poetry."
—Kirkus
***STARRED REVIEW***
"Achingly profound and inspiring; a must for all collections.."
—School Library Journal
"[A] compelling debut novel about hard truths, healing, strength, and tenderness."
—Booklist
