"Like the Daughters of Zelophehad We Ask for Our Inheritance"
In Blue Thread, the embroidered phrase on Miriam’s ancient prayer shawl urges her to pursue justice. Every time she draped that shawl across her shoulders, the words from Deuteronomy 16:20 prickled and prodded the back of her neck—and mine. Why limit the pursuit of justice to fiction?
Here is my promise to you. Drawing on the tradition of tithing, I will devote at least ten per cent of everything I earn as a writer—starting with the publication of Blue Thread—to help girls and women attain education, health, citizenship rights, housing, and the opportunity for a self-supporting livelihood.
There are some of the many organizations that strive to better the lives of girls and women in the Unites States and around the world. Have you got a favorite organization? Tell me about it. From time to time, I’ll feature one on my blog and add it to this list. Let’s get going!
• Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon
• Micah House of Washington, D.C.
My name is Ruth. I write books and articles for children and young adults. Blue Thread is my eleventh book, and the first one in which I have knowingly stretched the truth.