Must Read Children's Books about Ruby Bridges
Six year old Ruby Bridges stepped into the history books in 1960 when she integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans becoming a national icon for the civil rights movement. Today her story continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to end. Ruby Bridges is an important figure in the civil rights movement, known for her courage and determination as the first African American student to attend an all-white elementary school in the South.
Ruby Bridges' story serves as an inspirational example of how one person, even a young child, can make a significant impact on the world and course of history of classrooms today by standing up for what is right by changing the trajectory of the civil rights movement. These books about Ruby Bridges can motivate children to believe in their ability to effect positive change and to create a better place in their own communities and inspire the next generation of activists.
Must Read Children's Books about Ruby Bridges
My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds of our children.
-Ruby Bridges
Teaching children about Ruby Bridges is important for several reasons, as her story touches on various crucial themes and lessons:
Civil Rights History: Ruby Bridges' story provides a valuable entry point for teaching children about the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. It allows them to learn about the struggles and sacrifices made by individuals and communities to combat racial segregation and discrimination. These books give children an understanding of school integration and understanding concepts like race relations.
Empathy and Tolerance: By exploring Ruby Bridges' experiences, children can develop empathy and understanding for people who have faced injustice and discrimination. It encourages them to appreciate diversity and the importance of treating all individuals and children of all races with respect and kindness.
Courage and Resilience: Ruby Bridges' bravery as a young child entering an all-white school in the face of hostility and threats is a powerful example of courage and resilience. Her story can inspire children to confront their own challenges with determination and strength.
Education and Equality: Ruby Bridges' journey highlights the importance of education as a tool for achieving equality. Teaching children about her story reinforces the idea that education is a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of their race or circumstances.
Critical Thinking: Discussing Ruby Bridges' experiences encourages critical thinking and discussion about fairness, justice, and the impact of segregation and discrimination on individuals and communities. It allows children to explore complex social issues and develop their own perspectives.
Historical Perspective: Learning about Ruby Bridges and her role in the civil rights movement helps children gain a historical perspective on the progress made in the fight for racial equality and the ongoing work needed to address racial disparities and injustices.
Promoting Inclusivity: Teaching children about Ruby Bridges fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging. It encourages them to be allies in promoting a more just and equitable society, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Incorporating Ruby Bridges' story into educational curricula and discussions with young people not only helps them understand the past but also equips them with the knowledge and values needed to create a more inclusive and equitable future. It encourages young readers to become active participants in building a society that values diversity, respects human rights, and stands up against discrimination and prejudice.
Books about Ruby Bridges
There are several children's books that tell her story and provide valuable lessons about civil rights, diversity, and resilience. Here are some suggestions for children's books about Ruby Bridges:
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The inspirational true story of Ruby Bridges. The year is 1960, and Ruby Bridges and her little six-year-old self and family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. Told with Robert Coles' powerful narrative and dramatically illustrated by George Ford, Ruby's story of courage, faith, and hope continues to resonate more than 60 years later. This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the true story of Ruby Bridges' experience integrating an all-white school. It is suitable for children ages 4 and up.
2. "Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story" by Ruby Bridges:
Ruby Bridges herself wrote this book, offering a first-person account of her experiences. It's a great choice for older children who can handle a slightly longer narrative. The extraordinary true story of Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to integrate a New Orleans school -- now with simple text for young readers! With simple text and historical photographs, this easy reader explores an amazing moment in history and celebrates the courage of a young girl who stayed strong in the face of racism. This new children's book is great for 5–8-year-olds and Scholastic Level 2 readers.
3. "Through My Eyes" by Ruby Bridges:
In this picture book, Ruby Bridges reflects on her childhood experiences and the impact of her journey on the civil rights movement through the eyes of her 6-year-old self. It's suitable for older children and offers a more in-depth perspective.
4. Ruby Bridges (Rookie Biographies)-
Meet Ruby Bridges! Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age-appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. Ruby Bridges grew up at a time when African American people were treated as second-class citizens in many parts of the United States. At just six-year-old Ruby Bridges, the courage of a little girl stood up against racism and hatred to help integrate Louisiana's school system. Her story continues to inspire people of all ages.
5. "The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist" by Cynthia Levinson:
While not about Ruby Bridges, this book tells the story of another young girl who played a significant role in the civil rights movement. It can be used to complement the discussion of Ruby Bridges' activism.
6. This Is Your Time
Written as a letter from civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges to the reader, This Is Your Time is both a recounting of Ruby’s experience as a child who had to be escorted to class by federal marshals when she was chosen to be one of the first black students to integrate into New Orleans’ all-white public school system and an appeal to generations to come to effect change.
This beautifully designed volume features photographs from the 1960s and from today, as well as stunning jacket art from The Problem We All Live With, the 1964 painting by Norman Rockwell depicting Ruby’s walk to school.
Ruby’s honest and impassioned words, imbued with love and grace, serve as a moving reminder that “what can inspire tomorrow often lies in our past.” This Is Your Time will electrify people of all ages as the struggle for liberty and justice for all continues and the powerful legacy of Ruby Bridges endures.
7. Ruby, Head High: Ruby Bridge's First Day of School -
Inspired by an iconic Norman Rockwell painting and translated from an original French text, this is a story about the day a little girl held her head high and changed the world.
8. I Am Ruby Bridges -
I Am Ruby Bridges offers hope and confidence to all children. It is the perfect learning tool for schools and libraries to teach the story and important lessons of Ruby Bridges and introduce this landmark story to young readers in a powerful new way. This story of innocence and courage is brought to life by NAACP-nominated artist, Nikkolas Smith through stunning and breath-taking illustrations. Embracing the meaning of her name, Bridges reflects with poignancy and heart on the way one brave little girl stood proud to help build a bridge between all people and pave the path for future generations of American history.
9. She Persisted Ruby Bridges -
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!
In this chapter book biography by NAACP Image Award-winning author and Coretta Scott King Honor recipient Kekla Magoon, readers learn about the amazing life of Ruby Bridges--and how she persisted.
These books about Civil Rights Icon Ruby Bridges are great for Black History Month, public schools, personal book options, and discussions all year long.
The Ruby Bridges Foundation aims to offer programs and resources to guide and support younger generations on their pathway toward a more peaceful and harmonious future.
These books can be used in classrooms, libraries, or at home to teach children about Ruby Bridges' remarkable journey and the broader themes of civil rights, equality, and empathy. They offer valuable lessons about resilience, tolerance, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
