A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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Educational Value
a lot
The book include important vocabulary words, such as "unconstitutional" and "segregated," in bold, and defines them in the glossary. To help answer questions that children may have while reading, such as who, what, or where, timelines, maps, and illustrations provide more context. The story also highlights myths vs. facts. Incorporated throughout each of the book's eight chapters are "Think Tank" discussion questions that help expand the reader's thinking beyond the pages of the story. There's background on the landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education and a quiz at the end to test the reader's knowledge after reading.
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Positive Messages
a lot
You're never too young to break down barriers. Everyone deserves access to an equal education. You can change the course of history by being courageous and brave.
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Positive Role Models
a lot
Ruby Bridges broke down centuries-old barriers to integrate schools. Her actions paved the way for millions of other African American children in America. Ruby's parents made the difficult decision to be courageous and allow their daughter to attend a new school for a greater purpose, knowing she would face lots of difficulties. Mrs. Henry showed kindness and saw Ruby as an equal while teaching her.
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Diverse Representations
a lot
The focus in on African American Ruby Bridges and her family amid the context of segregation and the struggle for equal rights. The story features diverse characters of different ages and races, with various strengths and shares diverse perspectives throughout history.
Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.
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Violence & Scariness
very little
Mention of the angry crowds that threatened Ruby outside of William Frantz Elementary.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Arlisha Norwood's The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers is a nonfiction chapter book for kids age 6 to 9. Bridges was the first African American student to attend an all-White public school in the southern United States. This awe-inspiring, factual, and engaging book shares lots of important details about her life, the history of segregation in the United States, and the aftermath of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which established that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. The pages include lots of fact boxes, discussion questions, and visual aids to support learning. Difficult issues such as racial violence and segregation are detailed in a developmentally appropriate way that children can understand. Themes of the book include activism, history, and courage.
What's the Story?
THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES: A BIOGRAPHY BOOK FOR NEW READERS shares the story of Ruby's incredible life. During the year she was born, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling to desegregate schools in the United States. Six years later, in 1960, Ruby transitioned from living her life as a typical child in Louisiana to life as a civil rights pioneer. She was selected to be the first African American student to attend an all-White public school in southern United States. When she began attending William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans, she set a series of historic events in motion. With support from the NAACP and other social justice leaders, Ruby overcame many obstacles to receive an equal education. She eventually found happiness at her integrated school, and so did lots of other children just like her around the country. She created an undeniable legacy, and continues her work as an activist.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers shares lots of information about Ruby's story. What is something new you learned?
Why do you think it was important to let all kids go to public schools in the United States and not reserve some for Whites only and others for kids of color?
Why is it important for Ruby to continue to tell her story to young children today?
