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Scholastic Reader
Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story
The extraordinary true story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school--now with simple text for young readers!
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked through an angry crowd and into a school where she changed history.
This is the true story of an extraordinary little girl who helped shape our country when she became the first African-American to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. With simple text and historical photographs, this easy reader explores an amazing moment in history and the courage of a young girl who stayed strong in the face of racism.
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked through an angry crowd and into a school where she changed history.
This is the true story of an extraordinary little girl who helped shape our country when she became the first African-American to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. With simple text and historical photographs, this easy reader explores an amazing moment in history and the courage of a young girl who stayed strong in the face of racism.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2009
33 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Bridges
10 books139 followersRuby Nell Bridges Hall is an American civil rights activist. She was the first African-American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on November 14, 1960.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
February 9, 2025
This is the second day of “Black History Month”, the second book I have read, and the second time I have ended by closing the book and fighting back my tears. What on earth am I reading? Is it a harrowing slave memoir? Is it perhaps an account or novel about a civil war, filled with horrific details? No, it is a book intended to be read by children of perhaps 6 to 8 years old. It is a true story, in which the author describes her own experiences, when she was a similar age to her readers.
Ruby Bridges Goes to School tells the simple facts about Ruby Bridges, famous to you perhaps as one of the first children to pave the way to integrated education in the USA. But you see, in 1960 when Ruby Bridges “went to a kindergarten for black children” I was only a few years older, and had just started at my Junior school in England. Some of my friends at Sunday School were black, (or “coloured” as the outmoded, and later unacceptable, English expression then was) but my family went to a church in a different part of the city to where we lived. It was the biggest Baptist church in the city, and was near to where they had grown up. My best friend at both school, church and home was the church minister’s daughter. As it happened, our class at day school was all white.
So whenever I see or hear tales from some parts of America, it still always startles me how different the attitudes of the general population could be in these two economically stable English-speaking countries at that time. Racial prejudice in Britain did not really soar until later in the 1960s, when there was an influx of people from the Caribbean, filling promised jobs on transport and in the medical profession. This, I did become aware of. Although racial discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins was outlawed in 1965, and legislation was further tightened the following year, it was a hidden problem, a social issue.
I saw signs in boarding house street windows “No coloureds”. I saw estate agents with their blue pencilled areas, and when I asked about a specific area, I was told I wouldn’t want to live there. Some head teachers had a policy of preferential treatment for white children using the excuse of balancing their numbers. The school would be full, but if a white pupil applied, even one with a history perhaps of being expelled from other schools, a place would magically appear. I was once mortified, walking my class of children across a zebra crossing, on our way to the public baths for their swimming lesson, to hear a sneering catcall of “You should wash them all in Daz!”
Something had to be done. Knowledge, they say is power, so although I was teaching full-time, I decided I wanted to learn more - to arm myself against such endemic prejudice. So I completed a postgraduate diploma in “Education for a Multicultural Society”. I learned all about the different types and reasons for prejudice, the history of and reasons for immigration, about the history of the countries those emigrating to Britain came from, and the cultural mores they brought with them, about legislation in the UK etcetera. And I met some fascinating people.
What I did not gain much knowledge of was USA history. I only had a sketchy knowledge of civil rights issues there, as they did not pertain to this country. I knew of Maya Angelou, and other authors, but I certainly did not know of any ordinary personal stories such as this one; stories which make up the tapestry of life. Only recently have I even seen the photograph of Ruby Bridges accompanied by US marshals for her own protection, on her first day at the William Frantz School in 1961. Such a tiny, vulnerable little girl!
I am in awe of that entire family - and thousands of others - for their bravery in standing out. It is such a courageous act on the part of her parents, trusting both in the strength and fortitude they hoped to have already instilled in their daughter, and in the ultimate justice of the US law in this situation. It must have been so incredibly hard to keep their own protective urges in check, in the hope of a better future, and allowing their own child to undergo this.
This is what keeps coming back to me. This little book is written for children and explains things in a way they can understand,
“Some people did not want a black child to go to the white school. They stood near the school. They yelled at me to go away.”
The fact that the author is speaking of her own experience brings it right into our hearts. The photos on every page are very powerful, conveying the facts for all to see. I even found I learned facts I did not now know from this simple little book. I did not know that John Steinbeck wrote about Ruby Bridges and said that she was very brave. Nor that Eleanor Roosevelt had written to her, to tell her she was a good American. Nor even that there is a famous painting of her by Norman Rockwell.
My excuse for all this is that I am English. This is a picture of me surrounded by my class, a couple of decades after these events. I searched for an earlier one, as my classes ten years previously also had a similar ethnic diversity, but sadly I don’t have any.
I’m really happy that I am still in touch with about half of these “children”, and many other classes like them, through Facebook. What makes me even more proud is that they all still know each other, are very diverse in their beliefs, religions and political persuasions, but are very tolerant and show each other and everybody else great respect. You see, they have remained friends.
This would be a perfect little book for them to have read, and all other children of that age.
“A long time ago, some people thought that black people and white people should not be friends”
“A long time ago”, yes, but not that long ago in some places.
Ruby Bridges Goes to School tells the simple facts about Ruby Bridges, famous to you perhaps as one of the first children to pave the way to integrated education in the USA. But you see, in 1960 when Ruby Bridges “went to a kindergarten for black children” I was only a few years older, and had just started at my Junior school in England. Some of my friends at Sunday School were black, (or “coloured” as the outmoded, and later unacceptable, English expression then was) but my family went to a church in a different part of the city to where we lived. It was the biggest Baptist church in the city, and was near to where they had grown up. My best friend at both school, church and home was the church minister’s daughter. As it happened, our class at day school was all white.
So whenever I see or hear tales from some parts of America, it still always startles me how different the attitudes of the general population could be in these two economically stable English-speaking countries at that time. Racial prejudice in Britain did not really soar until later in the 1960s, when there was an influx of people from the Caribbean, filling promised jobs on transport and in the medical profession. This, I did become aware of. Although racial discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins was outlawed in 1965, and legislation was further tightened the following year, it was a hidden problem, a social issue.
I saw signs in boarding house street windows “No coloureds”. I saw estate agents with their blue pencilled areas, and when I asked about a specific area, I was told I wouldn’t want to live there. Some head teachers had a policy of preferential treatment for white children using the excuse of balancing their numbers. The school would be full, but if a white pupil applied, even one with a history perhaps of being expelled from other schools, a place would magically appear. I was once mortified, walking my class of children across a zebra crossing, on our way to the public baths for their swimming lesson, to hear a sneering catcall of “You should wash them all in Daz!”
Something had to be done. Knowledge, they say is power, so although I was teaching full-time, I decided I wanted to learn more - to arm myself against such endemic prejudice. So I completed a postgraduate diploma in “Education for a Multicultural Society”. I learned all about the different types and reasons for prejudice, the history of and reasons for immigration, about the history of the countries those emigrating to Britain came from, and the cultural mores they brought with them, about legislation in the UK etcetera. And I met some fascinating people.
What I did not gain much knowledge of was USA history. I only had a sketchy knowledge of civil rights issues there, as they did not pertain to this country. I knew of Maya Angelou, and other authors, but I certainly did not know of any ordinary personal stories such as this one; stories which make up the tapestry of life. Only recently have I even seen the photograph of Ruby Bridges accompanied by US marshals for her own protection, on her first day at the William Frantz School in 1961. Such a tiny, vulnerable little girl!
I am in awe of that entire family - and thousands of others - for their bravery in standing out. It is such a courageous act on the part of her parents, trusting both in the strength and fortitude they hoped to have already instilled in their daughter, and in the ultimate justice of the US law in this situation. It must have been so incredibly hard to keep their own protective urges in check, in the hope of a better future, and allowing their own child to undergo this.
This is what keeps coming back to me. This little book is written for children and explains things in a way they can understand,
“Some people did not want a black child to go to the white school. They stood near the school. They yelled at me to go away.”
The fact that the author is speaking of her own experience brings it right into our hearts. The photos on every page are very powerful, conveying the facts for all to see. I even found I learned facts I did not now know from this simple little book. I did not know that John Steinbeck wrote about Ruby Bridges and said that she was very brave. Nor that Eleanor Roosevelt had written to her, to tell her she was a good American. Nor even that there is a famous painting of her by Norman Rockwell.
My excuse for all this is that I am English. This is a picture of me surrounded by my class, a couple of decades after these events. I searched for an earlier one, as my classes ten years previously also had a similar ethnic diversity, but sadly I don’t have any.
I’m really happy that I am still in touch with about half of these “children”, and many other classes like them, through Facebook. What makes me even more proud is that they all still know each other, are very diverse in their beliefs, religions and political persuasions, but are very tolerant and show each other and everybody else great respect. You see, they have remained friends.
This would be a perfect little book for them to have read, and all other children of that age.
“A long time ago, some people thought that black people and white people should not be friends”
“A long time ago”, yes, but not that long ago in some places.
September 8, 2020
Read this to my kids today. It is a great book to explain the evils of legally-mandated segregation and how recent it was, and a good introduction to explaining how and why extra-legal segregation persists.
January 1, 2020
When I picked this up, I was expecting more of the event from the author's eyes. It pretty much only told the facts that I already knew, in a way a child could understand. I'll have to look more to see if there is another book by the author, written for an older person.
June 18, 2019
A child-friendly retelling of the impact of desegregation of public schools. Follows Ruby Bridges as she changes schools, faces people that do not want her in the new school, and ends with Ruby as an adult reflecting on her experiences. Delivers difficult content in a easy-to-read format. A good introduction to desegregation.
February 10, 2018
Read this a few summers ago with grandkids. They loved it. Powerful read.
March 13, 2021
The combination of illustration, historical photographs, and vintage illustrations make this an incredible visual story to touch on the edges of Ruby Bridges story. As for being a Level 2 Reader, I felt this was way to simple. I would say it is more of a Level 1 Reader. I do think that this book is a great beginner to open the conversation. I would not recommend you stop here.
I received this book from a publicist for the purposes of review.
I received this book from a publicist for the purposes of review.
October 11, 2018
This book is an autobiography that tells the story of Ruby Bridges. It talks about segregation and how African Americans were treated back in 1960s. The book shows segregation by showing they were not allowed to study in the same school, not allowed to live in the same neighborhood, and not allowed to eat in the same restaurant. I love how the book talks about the real history alongside black and white pictures of how it looked. Ruby Bridges was the first African American who went to a white school and a brave girl who stayed strong in the face of racism. The words are simple and easy to understand yet contains important facts of history. I think this book would be great for a read aloud for kindergarteners.
I would use this book to introduce to lower elementary students about segregation during Black History month. After reading the book, I would ask students, “how would you feel if you were Ruby Bridges?” Students can also talk about how things used to be before, as they compare today and how we are all equal.
I would use this book to introduce to lower elementary students about segregation during Black History month. After reading the book, I would ask students, “how would you feel if you were Ruby Bridges?” Students can also talk about how things used to be before, as they compare today and how we are all equal.
February 14, 2019
Version courte et adaptée pour des collégiens. Niveau A2. Je l'ai fait étudier à ma fille qui est instruite à la maison, elle devrait être en 5ème. Nous avons pu aborder des faits historiques importants dans l'histoire américaine et des points de grammaire comme le simple past (avec pas mal de verbes irréguliers), should, be allowed to. C'est un petit livre très riche que ma fille a adoré lire (et étudier !).
November 16, 2021
This true story--sweet, positive, and very pertinent to our history--is on the list that a Texas lawmaker wants to ban from school libraries. This is the very type of history that we need to be teaching in this country. Ruby Bridges was a tiny, heroic first grader and a pioneer in making our country a better one. Her story is important for early readers to have access to.
February 17, 2023
“Best book ever!” ~ my 8 yo
This is a perfect book to help kids understand the struggles of segregation to elementary students. It’s truthful and suitable for young minds. My kid loved it!
This is a perfect book to help kids understand the struggles of segregation to elementary students. It’s truthful and suitable for young minds. My kid loved it!
June 2, 2020
Love reading her story in her own words to my own Ruby ❤️
June 27, 2020
Perfect level for my 4yo and I think a good introduction for kids her age because it's about something she understands: school.
August 2, 2020
What a powerful story, simple and heartfelt. It brought tears to my eyes.
I can't wait to share this with my grandkids and I wish every child would read it.
I can't wait to share this with my grandkids and I wish every child would read it.
November 28, 2020
i don't know how good a book this would be for a 2nd level reader to read by themselves. It would be great to have the child read it aloud to an adult because every page has questions to be asked... why did the kids stop going to class w/her? what did the teacher think? why would be people think it was okay for black people to not eat w/white people? were the marshals scared?
Want to read
February 19, 2023Text to World Connection
Since this month is Black history Month. Blacks have overcome so much in United States. So I decide to end this class with a Text to World Connection through the book of Ruby Bridges. Her story is told throughout the world. Ruby Bridges is the first African -America female to integrate a New Orlean school. Black, Whites and other Races are going to school together. Because of the sacrifices of Ruby Bridges, Friendships are being created, Students of all race are eating in same Cafeteria, Reading the same books.
Since this month is Black history Month. Blacks have overcome so much in United States. So I decide to end this class with a Text to World Connection through the book of Ruby Bridges. Her story is told throughout the world. Ruby Bridges is the first African -America female to integrate a New Orlean school. Black, Whites and other Races are going to school together. Because of the sacrifices of Ruby Bridges, Friendships are being created, Students of all race are eating in same Cafeteria, Reading the same books.
May 9, 2022
Originally published in 2009.
In 1960, a six year old little girl named Ruby Bridges was to be the first African-American student to integrate an elementary school in Louisiana. To say it did not go well would be an understatement.
Parents pulled their children out. So many pulled their children out that Ruby was in a class by herself at first. There were so screaming, protesting mobs of parents. There were threats of violence. It was so bad that federal marshals were sent in to ensure her safety and to ensure that the desegregation order was enforced.
**********
This book was written by Ruby Bridges and is published by Scholastic as a Level 2 early reader. That is pretty early for a student to read about this topic - Ruby Bridges was the same age as the children who would be reading this book.
I normally don't review books for little children, but I decided to review this one when I saw that a group called Moms for Liberty called for it to be removed from a a school system in Tennessee. They were worried about its emphasis on racial strife. To that I would say two things:
1) Based on my experiences as a teacher, (more than 20 years in urban schools) I am of the opinion that a great majority of African-American students are already aware of the racial divisions in this country - maybe the white students should be more aware as well.
2) These events were not that long ago. Ruby Bridges was born in 1954. She is younger than my parents by roughly a decade. My youngest daughter (high school age) is well aware of Ruby Bridges thanks to the movie and a permanent exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It blew her mind to find out Ruby Bridges is younger than her grandparents.
So, what do I think?
This is a great book. It shows the difficulties she faced but ends on a positive note (the Moms for Liberty disagree, but I disagree with them on a lot of things, so what's new).
I rate this book 5 stars out of 5.
The link below goes to the exact same review on my blog. That review has links to the article about Moms for Liberty pushing to ban this book from a school system in Tennessee and a link to the exhibit at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2022...
In 1960, a six year old little girl named Ruby Bridges was to be the first African-American student to integrate an elementary school in Louisiana. To say it did not go well would be an understatement.
Parents pulled their children out. So many pulled their children out that Ruby was in a class by herself at first. There were so screaming, protesting mobs of parents. There were threats of violence. It was so bad that federal marshals were sent in to ensure her safety and to ensure that the desegregation order was enforced.
**********
This book was written by Ruby Bridges and is published by Scholastic as a Level 2 early reader. That is pretty early for a student to read about this topic - Ruby Bridges was the same age as the children who would be reading this book.
I normally don't review books for little children, but I decided to review this one when I saw that a group called Moms for Liberty called for it to be removed from a a school system in Tennessee. They were worried about its emphasis on racial strife. To that I would say two things:
1) Based on my experiences as a teacher, (more than 20 years in urban schools) I am of the opinion that a great majority of African-American students are already aware of the racial divisions in this country - maybe the white students should be more aware as well.
2) These events were not that long ago. Ruby Bridges was born in 1954. She is younger than my parents by roughly a decade. My youngest daughter (high school age) is well aware of Ruby Bridges thanks to the movie and a permanent exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It blew her mind to find out Ruby Bridges is younger than her grandparents.
So, what do I think?
This is a great book. It shows the difficulties she faced but ends on a positive note (the Moms for Liberty disagree, but I disagree with them on a lot of things, so what's new).
I rate this book 5 stars out of 5.
The link below goes to the exact same review on my blog. That review has links to the article about Moms for Liberty pushing to ban this book from a school system in Tennessee and a link to the exhibit at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2022...
Read
December 4, 2019Summary: The story of Ruby Bridges is based upon a true occurrence in history. This story showcases the brave act of a young girl and her recollection of being the first African American student to walk into a newly desegregated school. The story of Ruby Bridges highlights her life from the day she was born, to the day she walked through the terrifying halls of a school filled with hatred and hostility towards change and inclusivity.
Evaluation: I found this book to be an amazing way for students to become educated on the dark history of our past. Students who are beginning to learn about the Civil Rights Movement, will benefit greatly from this text, as it showcases a monumental moment in history, that has changed and affected greatly how we live today. This text is written in child friendly language, that does not have a great amount of complex vocabulary that young children may not comprehend. I found this story to not be too incredibly lengthy, and could be read independently amongst young novice readers. Students are able to put themselves in the shoes of Ruby Bridges, and understand her perspective from entering as the first African American student within an all white school.
Teaching Idea: As a future educator, I would utilize this story effectively within the teaching of the social studies standard, focusing upon the Civil Rights Movement. I would read the narrative of Ruby Bridges and then later discuss with students the feelings and emotions that must have flooded young Ruby, when she entered the halls of historical change. I would like for students to then fill out a graphic organizer, that will assist them in summarizing the main events that led Ruby Bridges to who she is known of to this day. Students will then create their own narrative of how they feel Ruby Bridges as impacted our lives to this day, in regards to the integration of schools and acceptance of all individuals regardless of skin color.
Evaluation: I found this book to be an amazing way for students to become educated on the dark history of our past. Students who are beginning to learn about the Civil Rights Movement, will benefit greatly from this text, as it showcases a monumental moment in history, that has changed and affected greatly how we live today. This text is written in child friendly language, that does not have a great amount of complex vocabulary that young children may not comprehend. I found this story to not be too incredibly lengthy, and could be read independently amongst young novice readers. Students are able to put themselves in the shoes of Ruby Bridges, and understand her perspective from entering as the first African American student within an all white school.
Teaching Idea: As a future educator, I would utilize this story effectively within the teaching of the social studies standard, focusing upon the Civil Rights Movement. I would read the narrative of Ruby Bridges and then later discuss with students the feelings and emotions that must have flooded young Ruby, when she entered the halls of historical change. I would like for students to then fill out a graphic organizer, that will assist them in summarizing the main events that led Ruby Bridges to who she is known of to this day. Students will then create their own narrative of how they feel Ruby Bridges as impacted our lives to this day, in regards to the integration of schools and acceptance of all individuals regardless of skin color.
November 30, 2019
Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story is an autobiography for K-2 students. The book starts by setting the stage for students of what life was like during segregation for black people. Ruby then introduces herself and explains why she went to the William Frantz Elementary School which was an all white school at the time. She explains the struggles she had and the positive recognition she received for being the first black student to integrate into the white school. I hope you’ll read the story to learn about her journey in Ruby’s own words!
This is a WOW book for me, because being a 1st grade teacher, my students always love the story of Ruby Bridges and really connect to her. I am constantly looking for new books about her to share with them. This book is my new favorite, because it is actually written by Ruby herself and shares her feelings and observations of the time in a way that is relatable for first graders. I also love how it has photographs from the time and shows Ruby at her school and with her friends. Finally, I have always loved Norman Rockwell and she mentions and shows his painting of her.
I would use this book in the classroom to introduce Ruby Bridges and the historical standards of change over time. I think it would also be very beneficial for students to compare and contrast the pictures in the book to pictures taken at the students’ schools today to see the similarities and differences. Lastly, it could start a writing project where students write letters to Ruby Bridges and explain what their school is like and tell her how they feel about what school must have been like for her.
This is a WOW book for me, because being a 1st grade teacher, my students always love the story of Ruby Bridges and really connect to her. I am constantly looking for new books about her to share with them. This book is my new favorite, because it is actually written by Ruby herself and shares her feelings and observations of the time in a way that is relatable for first graders. I also love how it has photographs from the time and shows Ruby at her school and with her friends. Finally, I have always loved Norman Rockwell and she mentions and shows his painting of her.
I would use this book in the classroom to introduce Ruby Bridges and the historical standards of change over time. I think it would also be very beneficial for students to compare and contrast the pictures in the book to pictures taken at the students’ schools today to see the similarities and differences. Lastly, it could start a writing project where students write letters to Ruby Bridges and explain what their school is like and tell her how they feel about what school must have been like for her.
July 17, 2021
This children's book is an excellent introduction to glazed-over or forgotten history, and yes, it's suitable for children. Meant for Level 2 readers, the writing is of course simplistic to anyone beyond 1st/2nd Grade reading skill (this review has more words than the book). So, in simple sentences, Ruby Bridges describes her true life experience as a Black child breaking the color barrier at William Frantz Elementary School in 1961.
Ruby describes her eagerness to attend school, and the initial blowback against her attendance, as other parents pulled their kids out of school in protest. Sadly, and wrongly, that was an era of racial separation, such as "colored" drinking fountains. Thankfully (and without spoilers), the segregation protests cooled, white children returned to the school, and with Ruby, they learned and played together.
Considering the sad political climate, this book does not attack White people when describing what Ruby endured. For example, in Ruby's words, "Some people did not want a black child to go to the white school." Ruby describes her love for her White teacher, and Mrs. Henry loved her right back. There are historical photos that accurately demonstrate the era's segregation (e.g. "white only" and "for colored" business signs). The photos are important in telling Ruby's story.
The story goes on to describe enormous support Ruby received as a child, and briefly summarizes events in Ruby's adult life. Ruby Bridges Goes To School does have a happy ending. I highly recommend it.
Ruby describes her eagerness to attend school, and the initial blowback against her attendance, as other parents pulled their kids out of school in protest. Sadly, and wrongly, that was an era of racial separation, such as "colored" drinking fountains. Thankfully (and without spoilers), the segregation protests cooled, white children returned to the school, and with Ruby, they learned and played together.
Considering the sad political climate, this book does not attack White people when describing what Ruby endured. For example, in Ruby's words, "Some people did not want a black child to go to the white school." Ruby describes her love for her White teacher, and Mrs. Henry loved her right back. There are historical photos that accurately demonstrate the era's segregation (e.g. "white only" and "for colored" business signs). The photos are important in telling Ruby's story.
The story goes on to describe enormous support Ruby received as a child, and briefly summarizes events in Ruby's adult life. Ruby Bridges Goes To School does have a happy ending. I highly recommend it.
November 10, 2021
Ruby Bridges goes to School: My true story by Ruby Bridges (New Scholastic reader) - Children’s illustrated colour picture book- Up to year 1960, blacks and white population was segregated in separate areas to live. Schools, hotels, restaurants, shops had a board of only whites on them so as to show that they were separate classes. Slavery had been abolished. Still segregation of classes was in the minds of people. In order to unite people and accept this change, Government orders admission of blacks in white’s schools. In 1960 Ruby Bridges was admitted to an all blacks school in Kindergarten. Government ordered that Ruby Bridges be admitted to William Frantz Elementary School. Her parents agreed and with the help of Marshals, she proceeded to join the school. White population was protesting against this admission. Mrs. Henry was her teacher. Whites withdrew their children from school. Ruby learnt to read, write and mathematics. After a few months, white children returned. This was a historical event. Newspapers covered the news. John Steinbeck wrote that she was a brave girl. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a letter to her. Norman Rockwell painted her picture. Later after her marriage, she was invited for a TV interview with her teacher Mrs. Henry. Lesson from the book is that people should be kind to others. I have read this book in Hindi language. The coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story.
April 8, 2022
According to a congressional investigation, this is one of the most challenged books of the past year (as of April 2022) because, some claim, it might make white children uncomfortable.
It's a children's picture book with actual historical photos from the life of Ruby Bridges, who was six years old when she became the first black child to attend a previously whites-only school in New Orleans. She was escorted to the school by her mother and federal marshals, with young white men holding signs outside saying they want segregation.
The first page is quite something, as it shows a smiling all-American-looking white boy of 8 or 9 with a sign saying "We won't go to school with negroes." Indeed, there are subsequent photos of Ruby alone in her school except for her teacher, Mrs. Henry.
Later in the book are photos of her playing with white children, as the white children eventually came back to school. It's an uplifting story, made all the more powerful by the use of photos rather than drawings.
The book never judges or shames white people, and in fact, it praises the many white people who supported Ruby, such as Mrs. Henry, John Steinbeck and Eleanor Roosevelt.
I don't understand why this book would be challenged as too difficult for white children.
P.S. The Kindle version is only $2.
It's a children's picture book with actual historical photos from the life of Ruby Bridges, who was six years old when she became the first black child to attend a previously whites-only school in New Orleans. She was escorted to the school by her mother and federal marshals, with young white men holding signs outside saying they want segregation.
The first page is quite something, as it shows a smiling all-American-looking white boy of 8 or 9 with a sign saying "We won't go to school with negroes." Indeed, there are subsequent photos of Ruby alone in her school except for her teacher, Mrs. Henry.
Later in the book are photos of her playing with white children, as the white children eventually came back to school. It's an uplifting story, made all the more powerful by the use of photos rather than drawings.
The book never judges or shames white people, and in fact, it praises the many white people who supported Ruby, such as Mrs. Henry, John Steinbeck and Eleanor Roosevelt.
I don't understand why this book would be challenged as too difficult for white children.
P.S. The Kindle version is only $2.
Read
November 24, 2019Summary: In this true story, Ruby Bridges details personal accounts of her life in a way that is applicable to students understanding in elementary school. Ruby details everything from her birth to the day she gets married. Students get a look into Ruby Bridges brave and honorary life through her own eye.
Evaluation: I think this book is a great way to introduce young students in first or second grade to an important Civil Rights figure. This book is written in a way that is easier for students to understand and comprehend just what a historical figure Ruby Bridges is. I read this book to my first grade students and they loved it. It is a fairly quick and easy read and students have an easier time picturing what it was like for Ruby Bridges during this time period.
Teaching Activity: This book ties in well with a Social Studies first grade standard. After reading this book aloud I would have students create a timeline. To begin with I would have an outline of the timeline on the board and then would have students essentially help me pull out key events of the story in chronological order. This activity will provide a visual means to help students better understand all of the events that have occurred in Ruby Bridges life.
Evaluation: I think this book is a great way to introduce young students in first or second grade to an important Civil Rights figure. This book is written in a way that is easier for students to understand and comprehend just what a historical figure Ruby Bridges is. I read this book to my first grade students and they loved it. It is a fairly quick and easy read and students have an easier time picturing what it was like for Ruby Bridges during this time period.
Teaching Activity: This book ties in well with a Social Studies first grade standard. After reading this book aloud I would have students create a timeline. To begin with I would have an outline of the timeline on the board and then would have students essentially help me pull out key events of the story in chronological order. This activity will provide a visual means to help students better understand all of the events that have occurred in Ruby Bridges life.
November 8, 2018
Ruby Bridges Goes to School is the autobiographical true story of Ruby Bridges. In 1960, she began attending William Frantz Public School, an all-whites school in Louisiana. Her attendance drew much controversy, and was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement. This true story was very impactful to read about, especially considering it happened less than 60 years ago. This book serves as a reminder of equality and the progress we have made over the past 60 years.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that it was written by Ruby Bridges herself. She gave readers a firsthand account of the situation, something that biography authors would not be able to do. The book was a great beginner informational book, something I would introduce to students in 2nd grade. While this is a difficult topic to discuss, especially at such a young age, this book does a great job of educating kids.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that it was written by Ruby Bridges herself. She gave readers a firsthand account of the situation, something that biography authors would not be able to do. The book was a great beginner informational book, something I would introduce to students in 2nd grade. While this is a difficult topic to discuss, especially at such a young age, this book does a great job of educating kids.
begining-reader
December 2, 2019This first-person telling of Ruby’s experience as she attends a public school as a black girl in an all-white school during the civil rights time. The story tells of her bravery and hope during a difficult time in America for African Americans. This book is great to use for teaching history in the classroom and allows students to learn about an important part of the nation’s story. A simple retelling of the Ruby Bridges story. It is a good preview for a unit or could be a book to be used with comprehension strategies such as asking questions, building background knowledge and predicting. It also could be a great introduction to biography styles of writing, and even as a beginning reader, it is a fantastic book with many layers.
September 22, 2021
To be honest, the only reason I read this book was to see if I could come to even the most minute understanding of why a group in Tennessee would pull the book from schools. It's appropriate for grades 1 and 2, and it's just an accounting of the facts with little emotion shared. There wasn't even any shame directed at the townsfolk, especially the parents, who were most harmful in the situation.
It still takes me off guard whenever I'm reminded that Ruby Bridges is just two years older than my parents. They never discuss segregation in schools because they just missed it. Bridges walked so parents like mine could actually meet in the same school.
It still takes me off guard whenever I'm reminded that Ruby Bridges is just two years older than my parents. They never discuss segregation in schools because they just missed it. Bridges walked so parents like mine could actually meet in the same school.
December 1, 2021
Great story to introduce young kids to Civil Rights
This is a very gentle way to introduce kids to
some of the heavy realities of segregation and how it changed. Anyone who thinks this is shaming white people and/or who wants it banned from schools, is incredibly fragile about their identity. It’s a sad day when some think we can’t learn about America’s racist past because of a reinvented type of red scare, with a new boogeyman known as CRT. This is a beautiful book and should be required reading for 2nd or 3rd graders. I also recommend Yak Attack, though not about Civil Rights, it has great message as well.
This is a very gentle way to introduce kids to
some of the heavy realities of segregation and how it changed. Anyone who thinks this is shaming white people and/or who wants it banned from schools, is incredibly fragile about their identity. It’s a sad day when some think we can’t learn about America’s racist past because of a reinvented type of red scare, with a new boogeyman known as CRT. This is a beautiful book and should be required reading for 2nd or 3rd graders. I also recommend Yak Attack, though not about Civil Rights, it has great message as well.
April 23, 2018
Written by Ruby Bridges herself. This is the easiest to read biography I have seen of Ruby Bridges. I believe it is around a 400 lexile level and maybe a K on Fountas and Pinnell? Great vocabulary and photographs. Students LOVE the story of Ruby Bridges. What an inspirational little girl. So glad she decided to write her version so students in younger grades can actually independently read it!
October 20, 2018
This is another really great introductory book for the genre of biography for young readers. It tells great information about Ruby Bridges but there isn’t too many words on the page and the vocabulary isn’t too high. I would see this being a good book to read aloud to a class and then maybe doing some more research on Ruby. I would consider adding this to my future classroom library.
Genre: Biography
Reading level: K-2
Genre: Biography
Reading level: K-2
November 15, 2019
Biography
K-2nd grade
I can not believe that she went to an all white school as a first grader. Even though she had people there to protect her, that had to have been so scary. I can’t imagine how lonely and sad that must’ve felt to have her whole class leave. That makes me so happy that her teacher was so kind to her. It’s stories like these that make me so sad for how others were treated, but also so happy for how far we’ve come.
K-2nd grade
I can not believe that she went to an all white school as a first grader. Even though she had people there to protect her, that had to have been so scary. I can’t imagine how lonely and sad that must’ve felt to have her whole class leave. That makes me so happy that her teacher was so kind to her. It’s stories like these that make me so sad for how others were treated, but also so happy for how far we’ve come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
Ruby Bridges' autobiography of her experience when she became the first African-American child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School. Also included is a basic overview of segregation.
Intended for children who are learning to read, this book tackles the topics (racism and desegregation) well. There are historical photographs included. Definitely read this book with the child so you can discuss afterwards.
Intended for children who are learning to read, this book tackles the topics (racism and desegregation) well. There are historical photographs included. Definitely read this book with the child so you can discuss afterwards.
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