The Story of Ruby Bridges

The Story of Ruby Bridges	The Blue Sky Press
Written by Robert Coles	1999
Non Fiction	15 pages
Reading Level age 4-8

Summary

Ruby is the only black girl to attend her school as part of the integration of the schools in New Orleans. No other children go to school because their parents are protesting violently against them going to school with a black child. Every morning Ruby would walk in between the US Marshals through the crowd and into the school. Her teacher Mrs. Henry was the only person in Ruby’s classroom. On her walks to and from school, she would pray for protection and for the mean people to be forgiven. Eventually, more children come to school and she doesn’t meet them until the next year. The drawings are watercolor painted and very dramatic. It shows true events watered down to make is more appropriate for a younger audience.

Reaction

I thought this was a well written book telling the story in a way that children could understand. The text was simple and easy to read and the pictures were life like and accurate.

Potential Problems

This story is about Ruby and the protestations of the parents on her way to school. They said a lot of mean awful things. Ruby was able to overcome that by praying daily for them and to keep her safe.

Recommendations

This would be a great introduction to a u nit on that time period and the hero Ruby Bridges became for her courage and perseverance.