The Story of Ruby Bridges

The Story of Ruby Bridges
By: Robert Coles
Illustrated by: George Ford
Copyright: 1995
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Please, God, try to forgive those people.
Because even if they say those bad things,
They don't know what they're doing.
So you could forgive them..."

This is a true story of Ruby Bridges, who was one of the first African American girls to be chosen to go to an all white school. This book is that story. It starts with a little background, her father lost his job on a farm and they moved to New Orleans. Both her parents worked very hard, and took them to church every Sunday. When Ruby was chosen her parents were very proud, because they knew how important this was. They prayed for strength for Ruby and as a family.
They knew that they would be faced with resistance, but I'm not sure anyone especially Ruby knew that this much resistance would then become part of her daily routine. The local police refused to escort Ruby, so the President called in federal marshals to escort Ruby through the very angry crowds. Everyday she was met with people yelling mean things at her, and not only that but she was also the only child left in the school. Since all the other parents refused t have their children attend school with a Black child. Miss Hurley, Ruby's teacher was also the only teacher that would teach Ruby. One morning Miss Hurley saw Ruby stop in front of the crowd and say something. When Ruby got inside, Miss Hurley asked what she had said to the screaming crowded. Ruby replied and told her she had said nothing to the people, she was praying for them. Like she did everyday, however this day was the first she had forgotten.

Recommended to: I think this is a great introduction to the problems our nation had, and continues to have with segregation. I think this would be best read in a classroom setting where it can be discussed.
Problems: This is a very gentle approach to a serious subject. However I don't think there is anything, wrong with this wonderful story.
My Reaction: I adored the illustrations in this book. The illustrations were amazingly beautiful for such an ugly period of our history. I think this is such an inspiring story for all children. What a change one child can make.