Ruby Bridges

History Maker Bios

by Madeline Donaldson

Each book in this middle-grade series is illustrated with photographs and illustrations while sidebars, a timeline, and entertaining cartoons further illuminate each subject's personality.

48 pages, Library Binding

First published July 15, 2009

Reviews

[Rukia Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of Ruby Bridge, a young child who helped to integrate schools in the 1960's. Designed for 1st grade readers, the book incorporates both illustrations and photographs from that era. The illustrations added little to the story but I gave it an extra point because it a wonderful resource of history.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biografie over Ruby Bridges, afro-Amerikaanse scholiere die in 1960 naar witte school ging in Missisippi. Kinderboek.

[Jhalen Jefferson]

IT WAS FASCINATING

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short biography of Ruby Bridges is a great introduction into what civil rights, segregation, and integration were like during the 1960s. Ruby, who was the first and sole African-American child to integrate into William Frantz School in New Orleans, not only overcomes racism, but shows how courageous a first grade child can be. The book incorporates actual pictures from different events prior, during, and after Ruby’s integration, there is even a drawing from Ruby herself and how she saw herself in her new school. Author Madeline Donaldson involves the reader by asking questions about civil rights and how the reader would feel if they did not have their civil rights. Donaldson (2009) asks, “What if you couldn’t go to a public school in your neighborhood because of your race?” (p.9) Donaldson’s book not only focuses on Ruby’s story, but those around Ruby, like her teacher, Mrs. Henry, who is not respected by her colleagues, due to her teaching Ruby. As Ruby grows up and schools become integrated, Ruby graduates high school, becomes employed, and gets married; making it seem like all of Ruby’s progress was so long ago, until she begins taking care of four young nieces, who attend William Frantz. Going back to the school Ruby helped change, she sees that there is much change needed again; the school is in poor shape and lacks extra-curricular activities for children. Ruby once again becomes the heroic activist who not only helped brake racial and education barriers, but helps William Frantz and other schools by taking her story around the country to bring education and all different backgrounds together.