Ruth First Never Backed Down

October 15, 2023
A South African woman boldly spoke out. Ruth First (1925-1982) was born in South Africa, the granddaughter of Jewish Eastern European immigrants who had experienced prejudice. From a young age, she was deeply troubled by her country's apartheid system. In time, she met other activists, including a young Nelson Mandela, and worked tirelessly as an investigative journalist, exposing brutal conditions faced by Black workers; she also publicized the ideas of Black activists whose work was ignored. The government enacted laws to quell apartheid resistance, but she continued to work on her banned paper illegally. Eventually, Ruth became the first white woman to be arrested under the new edicts. Forced to leave South Africa upon her release, Ruth and her family moved to Britain, where she continued her activism. Thirteen years later, she became a university professor in Mozambique. Tragically, Ruth First was killed when a bomb exploded in her office. This is a warmly written account of a determined woman who is a role model for young readers and whose important work commands respect and wide recognition. The book closes with a timeline and information on Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and other leaders in the anti-apartheid movement. Ruth and family present white; friends and fellow activists are racially diverse. A name, a life, and a cause to be long remembered. (Informational picture book. 7-11)

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November 1, 2023
Grades 2-4 Few children today are likely to know the story of heroic South African journalist Ruth First. Joseph's biography aims to change that. The granddaughter of Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe, First devoted herself to "Mother Africa"--and to social justice for Black South Africans. The informative text and eloquent illustrations form a moving account of First's path toward activism, which began with her observing her parents' opposition to racism as a young child and grew into a passionate cause. Readers will get a clear picture of how First supported the work of anti-apartheid leaders through investigative journalism, even after being forced into exile. Utomo captures the violence of her assassination by the South African government in a shocking, but not graphic, depiction of her bombed office. The book concludes on a hopeful note with the end of apartheid and a quote from Nelson Mandela about First's work. A time line and additional profiles of anti-apartheid leaders add important context to this worthy introduction to a heroic journalist and activist.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.