Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech

Though lacking in detail, this timely portrayal of a Maltese journalist will certainly inspire.

Gr 2-5--Reading books as a child taught Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia to always think for herself. As a young adult, she and her friends began to notice injustices around them and believed that peaceful protest could help solve some of the problems within their country, which led to her arrest. Galizia raised her own children to follow their curiosity and stand up against injustice as well. Though there were few women in journalism at the time, Galizia began writing for a national newspaper where she spoke out against the status quo. Powerful adversaries often tried to silence her voice, but Galizia kept writing. Muted watercolor-and-ink illustrations complement the sparse text in this picture book biography, with context about Galizia's political viewpoints revealed not in the body of the text but in images of newspaper headlines decrying racism, sexism, censorship, and more. The political climate in Malta is not explored, potentially leaving readers to wonder about Galizia's impact and the risks inherent in her activism. Back matter includes color photos, an author's note, and further information on Galizia's career and life, including her subsequent death by car bomb in 2017. VERDICT A simplistic but powerful take on one woman's commitment to using her voice to fight injustice may inspire readers to look elsewhere to dive deeper.--Allison Staley, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This profile of Daphne Caruana Galizia (1964-2017), a Maltese journalist who faced persecution, intimidation, violence, and was eventually killed by a car bomb, highlights moments through her life from childhood through adulthood. Author-illustrator Gattaldo's narrative style has a lightly meandering, storytelling quality, fitting as a tribute for a friend, as an author's note confirms: "Books taught Daphne/ to never let other people think for her./ She loved the freedom of asking questions/ and then making up her own mind." The headlines Gattaldo attributes to Galizia--"WOMEN'S RIGHTS," "UNITE AGAINST RACISM," "FIGHT FOR A PRESS FREE FROM CENSORSHIP," and more--reveal Galizia's allegiance to standing up against injustice. Mixed media art combines soft watercolor washes with fluid, doodle-like lines and pops of color. A tender and contemporarily resonant portrait that highlights issues many journalists face. Back matter features an author's note and photographs. Ages 7-9. (Sept.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

An arresting example of the importance of journalism and protest. This paean to Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, created by disciple Gattaldo, captures her bravery, resilience, and outspokenness while sketching out her life and showing that dedication to both her profession and ideals was intertwined with how she lived.
—Kirkus Reviews

May lead readers to learn more about its subject, while highlighting the importance—and, here, risks—of investigative journalism.
—Booklist

A tender and contemporarily resonant portrait that highlights issues many journalists face.
—Publishers Weekly

Powerful.
—School Library Journal

This title is an excellent example of a journalist using the power of the press as an advocate for change, and the risks that may be attached to that passion.
—School Library Connection