I Am Ruby Bridges

by Ruby Bridges

In a beautiful and poetic reflection, Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of that momentous day in 1960 when Ruby was the first child to integrate the school system as a six-year-old little girl -- a personal and intimate look through a child's lens at a landmark moment in our Civil Rights history.

My work will be precious,

I will be a bridge between people…

I will bridge the “gap” between black & white…

… but hopefully all people!

I suppose some things in life are just meant to be.



When Ruby Bridges was just six-year-old, she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Told from the perspective of her six year old self and based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960, Ruby tells her story from her own point of view for the first time, in a poetic reflection on her experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.

Embracing her name and discovering that even at six years old Ruby Bridges was able to pave the path for future generations, this is a story full of innocence and courage. The vibrant and warm illustrations from NAACP nominated illustrator Nikkolas Smith brings Ruby's story to life. This inspiring book offers hope and confidence to all children and is a perfect learning tool for schools and libraries to teach the story of Ruby Bridges as never before and will introduce this landmark story to young readers in a powerful new way. With poignancy, heart and from a child's eye view, Bridges reflects on the way one brave little girl stood proud and tall to help build a bridge between all people.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, Nonfiction, African American, Memoir, Childrens

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

Ruby 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.

Reviews

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a good book and will educate a lot of children and people about ruby bridges and many others story’s! i am 14 and i only learned about this story a year ago and i wish i had educational books about these matters in my childhood and i think it’s very important that kids can read this to learnt the bravery of what kids there age had to go through also it was great hearing it from ruby bridges herself :) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new historical person to me. Ruby tells how she became the first black student in an all white school.

I read this as part of book ban/challenged awareness.

#24BB

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from the perspective of 6 year old Ruby Bridges, author/activist Ruby Bridges relays thoughts on her old sounding name, what it was like to start school and then be transferred to an all-white school for what her parents called, better opportunities. Bridges’ name, her historically monumental “first,” and efforts today represent the desire to bring all people together and the illustrations by Nikkolas Smith drive that point home in a visual way. With the symbolism embedded in the art, the glossary , as well as the author and illustrator’s notes, this picture book has a place in libraries of younger preschool and elementary readers as well as those in middle and upper elementary.

Thanks for the print arc, Scholastic!

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Bridges tells the story of her first day as a black child at an all-white school in Louisiana in 1960.

Illustrator Nikkolas Smith, ARTivist, captures the fear, the excitement, the tension of Ruby's walk to school and the opportunities it provided to all black children.

Ruby's bravery shows through as does her joy at being at school. We can all learn from her bravery and her timeless example.

Thanks to Scholastic Books http://scholastic.com for a copy to read and review.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autobiography where Ruby Bridges writes about her first day at an all white school from the point of view of her 6 year old self. Effectively puts the story at the level of understanding for young ones. Loved her use of humor.

[Kristi Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

First person, true and factual account, of historical situation. Autobiographical story written for young children on a level they can understand.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMART 2024

[Masha Morozov · Rating 4 out of 5]

using this book for a lesson plan for my fifth and sixth ELL students!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by THE Ruby Bridges telling her story from her 6 year old point of view. Important story and not so long ago.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this beautifully rendered picture book memoir, Bridges tells the story of that momentous day in 1960 when she became the first child to integrate the New Orleans school system as a six year old little girl.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to evaluate for our school district’s “Best Reads” list. I really liked it! This book is especially significant as a first-hand account of an important public school event, written from the perspective of 5-6 year old Ruby. An excellent read-around, vocabulary/terminology builder, and social studies discussion-starter!

[Becca Rutkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book memoir written by the powerful woman, Ruby Bridges. I am Ruby Bridges is her account of that first day of school after segregation in schools ended. This iconic story is beautifully illustrated and brings such an important moment in history at an level that any elementary aged child can get. A first class purchase!

[Steph Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that THE Ruby Bridges wrote this! It really makes this moment in history accessible to young kids the way she tells it, and the art style used in the illustrations is *chef's kiss* perfection.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a powerful memoir of Ruby Bridges, written by herself. It is told through young Ruby's eyes and is very accessible to readers of all types. The opening illustration of the hands as bridges was just beautiful. This is a must read.
Thank you Scholastic!

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like. Very simplified. Glossary makes no sense. No citations. I think it reads very young even for a target audience of six-year-olds and it feels very sloppy to have no context or backmatter beyond notes from the author and illustrator.

[Tylah Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am Ruby Bridges" is an autobiographical picture book authored by Ruby Bridges. It vividly narrates her personal journey as a young Black student who bravely integrated an all-white primary school in the year 1960. This compelling book offers a firsthand account from Ruby, a 6-year-old girl who was selected as the initial African American student at the recently integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Readers observe Ruby's bravery as she confronts intense racism and resistance to the Supreme Court's decision to desegregate schools, conveyed via her innocent yet perceptive storytelling and symbolic pictures. I would rate I Am Ruby Bridges with a 5-star rating. This book is remarkable and significant since it vividly portrays a crucial period in the civil rights movement in a manner that is suitable and effective for young readers. Ruby's genuine voice is evident, showcasing both her youthful innocence and impressive composure as she faced this significant obstacle. Her narrative serves as a current reminder of the struggles endured to attain racial parity in the realm of education. The book confronts the hard realities that Ruby encountered, such as confrontations with violent segregationist protesters and the necessity of federal marshals to accompany her. However, it approaches these challenging realities with caution and empathy. The dynamic graphics by Nikkolas Smith intensify the emotional impact. The book "I Am Ruby Bridges" ultimately serves as an inspiration, conveying a powerful message about the bravery, belief, and profound impact that a young girl's will can have in the midst of unfairness. This autobiographical story is a highly important educational resource that is essential for both children and adults to read. Ruby's narrative prompts essential dialogues regarding the historical context of racism, inequality, and the continuous efforts required to establish a fairer society. An impactful and authentic viewpoint that every family should have the opportunity to encounter.

[Ebony M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an autobiography about Ruby Bridges. This book is intended for children aged 6-9 years of age. This book is about how Rudy Bridges, was the first colored black kid to go to a predominantly white school. In the supreme court the brown vs. board of education act was passed, so Rudy took a test and was able to attend the elementary school of William Frantz. I love how this book introduces, diversity and desegregation. This book is in a child's perspective. Which makes it easier for children, to understand what Rudy is going through, while also being sensitive to the event in history. This book also goes into great detail, about what the Brown vs board of education act was about. Which is very important and educational to young children. I thought the illustrations were an interesting way to see the perspective of the adults, compared to the children as well. In the story, Rudy Bridges seems confused, but also excited to be going to this new school and having bodyguards around her. However, if you look at the illustrations on the adults face you can see, that they are angry. I believe this is an accurate representation of how the adults were acting and feeling at the time of this event. The timidness of the imagery still makes it appropriate for kids. Since this book is from the perspective of a child, I believe other children will also enjoy this book. I would like to have my students reread the book and write down at least 3 facts about the Brown vs. board of education, and 5 facts about Rudy Bridges. They must use the book to complete the activity. 12/09/23

[Fernanda]

This book marks a huge point in our history and I love how they were able to make a short version of this for children to be able to read. The primary message/theme is that it captures the fear, the excitement, the tension of Ruby's walk to school and the opportunities it provided to all black children. The genre of this book is an Autobiography. What adults could potentially learn from this book is how our country must wake up and stop the backwards slide away from fair treatment for poor and non-White children. What young children can learn from this book is to never disrespect a classmate of yours just because they might be a different skin color than you. This is a WOW book for me because the illustrations are great and work to tie both the theme of civil rights and the idea of seeing a historical event through the eyes of the people involved together.
The writing craft of the book is the narrative was in first person. It covers her historic integration of the William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana, as well as some information about reactions to the integration and her later life. We get to see first hand ruby bridges and her first day of school and how it went. This book is free of bias because it talks about a black person (ruby bridges) and her bravery helped pave the way for Civil Rights action in the American South.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only has Ruby Bridges' story always captivated me, but reading it alongside gorgeous illustrations that are able to convey all of the emotion and depth of her life? This is the book for all ages, and one that everyone should read in their life at least once. As written by Ruby Bridges herself, this book recounts her role as a six-year-old during the initial desegregation of schools. Over and over again, Ms. Bridges reminds the reader that she was only a kid when everything happened: when she was escorted to school by four federal marshals in what was once an all white school--and for a period of time was the only kid in her class besides her teacher. She faced harassment and criticism, all for simply wishing to get an education--her, along with countless other people of color who at that time shared the same reality. One of my favorite quotes from the book would have to be: "Who cares what colors are? I'm just happy Brown V. Board made it right. School is just school and kids are just kids."

This book will be perfect to read when teaching about Brown V. Board of Education and Ruby Bridges! Students will love the story and the beautifully painted illustrations as much as I did.

[Nakia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am Ruby Bridges" is an autobiography that is age appropriate for ages 4-8 years old. "I Am Ruby Bridges was written by Ruby Bridges herself. This book is about the life of a six-year-old girls experience being the first black student to attend an all-white school. I rated this book with five stars because this story gives a timeline of special events that occurred in history. Another reason I rated "I Am Ruby Bridges" five stars is the fact that the book was delivered in the voice of a six-year-old child. This makes it easy for children to understand the message and the importance that happen during those times. After reading this story, I had my daughter read the book, she was wondering why she never heard of Ruby. This is why books with history should be age appropriate and placed in school for our children to learn about history. The pictures were great. It captured the important moments in Ruby's experience. This book can show my students that no matter what obstacles you come across that you should never give up.

Work Cited: Miss Alivia Reads. "I Am Ruby Bridges/Kids Read Aloud Books/Classroom Read Aloud Books." YouTube. 19 March 2023, https://youtu.be/RrhtQdq7Dls?si=BexgX....

Reviewed: 26 January 2024

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

At age 6, Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary school. Ruby tells her story, as she experienced it, when she was just six years old.

Adapted for the youngest readers, this edition has beautiful illustrations that demonstrate Ruby’s words. There is a glossary to help children learn key terms. For older readers, the author and illustrator have included their own personal notes of what inspired this version. This is an excellent book to help encourage family discussions about America’s history of education.

This is a children’s book. It is told from the eyes of a child. It is illustrated showing the world through a child’s eye. It is beautiful! I loved Ruby’s sass, especially when it came to her very old name. I loved her innocence and her spunk. She is, indeed, Ruby Bridges, the First!

Notes:

I honestly reviewed an ARC from the publisher Orchard Books, via Scholastic.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to tell what happened in 1960! This is Ruby Bridges child perspective of what it was like to be the 1st child to integrate schools. When she didn't have any other classmates, she thought it was because the test to get into the school must've have been harder than she thought. Smith's illustrations have some color that he did to convey the hope and optimism of the events, but they are also somewhat muted/not in vibrant colors which sets it in the somewhat recent past. All the pictures I've seen of these events are in black and white, so Smith's illustrations along with Bridges' words bring the past to life for readers. Bridges also included a glossary because while she was just 6 years old, they was a lot of big vocabulary happening around her that many 6 year olds today wouldn't know. If 6 year old Ruby Bridges had to go through this event, 6 year olds today can learn about it.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Ruby Bridges is an important memoir for sharing a piece of black history with children of all ages. I love that Ruby Bridges tells her own story through the eyes of her six year old self. It’s a powerful and tender account of her childhood when she becomes the first black child to attend an all white elementary school. Bridges infuses her story with humor and confidence. Smith’s artwork depicts Bridges story in a way that delightfully captures the reader’s eye. Be sure to read the back matter, which includes notes from both the author and illustrator. You will want to share I Am Ruby Bridges with readers at any time, but especially when discussing Civil Rights and Black History. I highly recommend adding it to your personal or classroom library.

“I will be a bridge and hopefully build a bridge between black and white and hopefully between all people.” ~Ruby Bridges

[A'Nya Cox]

"I Am Ruby Bridges" is an autobiography by Ruby Bridges that tells the inspiring story of herself. Ruby Bridges is the first black child to attend an all white school. This work is intended for ages 4-8, and has won the Addams Children's Book Awards for Book for Older Children award. I rate this book 5 stars because I think that it is important for people to know and understand the reason why schools are integrated today. Ruby defied the odds and can be an inspiration to young readers. The illustrations by Chris Eliopoulos show emotion and enhance the story. The color palette is more on the neutral side.This book includes themes of social justice and strength. I also think that this book would bring about amazing classroom discussions.

[Isabel Bryan [the Bookmark Hoarder] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Ms. Bridges herself, this book gives her six-year old self's perspective on her historic first day of school. It's written in a way that young children could understand, and explains the event in simple terms.

It could also work as a good starting point for learning more about desegregation in schools for children that can understand more in depth.

I loved that she kept a positive tone throughout the story, even though this is such a heavy issue. She mentions she had to take an assessment test to get into the formerly all white school, then later brings it up when she's the only one in class- "that test must've been harder than I thought!" Of course later she finds out why.

The artwork was also amazing!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always wondered what went through six-year-old Ruby Bridges’ mind as she integrated William Frantz Elementary in the 1960s. I always assumed she was terrified as white people shouted hateful slurs at her while she entered the school. If she was afraid, she doesn’t admit it in this book for children. Instead, she focuses on the hope of new opportunities, and her optimism about being part of positive changes in our country. Thank you, Ruby, for contributing to the movement that brought about my niece and nephew’s diverse schools. I’m not as brave as you. I’m scared we’re losing the progress we’ve made. But your courage inspires me to work harder.

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2022
Star rating: 5
Award: N/A
Genre: historical
Summary w/ themes: this book tells what Ruby's first days of school were like back when schools had finally become desegregated. It is told through her perspective and thus includes her thoughts. This book has historical themes.
Use for future classroom: this would be a good book to read when discussing desegregation and the civil rights movement.
Thoughts of book: I enjoyed this book. I like that it was through Bridges perspective so we were able to understand what she was dealing with. It was an interesting read because I never heard about Ruby Bridges until this summer.

[ReadaBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book for children - and adults too! - about such a historic event in desegregation in the United States. Written by Ms. Bridges, she tells the story of what she thought, as a child, about starting a new school as a first grader - the first Black child in what had been an all-White public school. If only adults could understand the simplicity of getting along with all people, as seen through the eyes of a child.
A great book that every parent and every child should read, and every library should have several copies in their collection.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from the first-person perspective of the very own Ruby Bridges herself, this autobiographical retelling of Ruby's first learning about having to leave her friendly school to be the first African American child integrated into an all-white school following the passage of Brown v. Board of Education, 1960. Here' Ruby shares the spectrum emotions she felt taking on this monumental challenge. Nikkolas Smith's gorgeous deeply hued illustrations offer unique visual perspectives and emotions that greatly enhance this important book.

[Rachel Laskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I saw it at the library and got it because my 6 year old son told me they learned about Ruby in school last week. When I brought it home he said they read a different one at school. This one was so great though. It really put you in a 6 year olds mind set. We talked about how brave she was to give up her friends at school to go to a new school. We talked about what opportunities were. Couldn’t have loved it more and then I realized it was written by the real Ruby Bridges. Strongly would recommend for any elementary school teachers.