The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Arlisha Norwood's The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers is a nonfiction chapter book for kids age 6 to 9. Bridges was the first African American student to attend an all-White public school in the southern United States. This awe-inspiring, factual, and engaging book shares lots of important details about her life, the history of segregation in the United States, and the aftermath of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which established that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. The pages include lots of fact boxes, discussion questions, and visual aids to support learning. Difficult issues such as racial violence and segregation are detailed in a developmentally appropriate way that children can understand. Themes of the book include activism, history, and courage.
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What's the Story?
THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES: A BIOGRAPHY BOOK FOR NEW READERS shares the story of Ruby's incredible life. During the year she was born, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling to desegregate schools in the United States. Six years later, in 1960, Ruby transitioned from living her life as a typical child in Louisiana to life as a civil rights pioneer. She was selected to be the first African American student to attend an all-White public school in southern United States. When she began attending William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans, she set a series of historic events in motion. With support from the NAACP and other social justice leaders, Ruby overcame many obstacles to receive an equal education. She eventually found happiness at her integrated school, and so did lots of other children just like her around the country. She created an undeniable legacy, and continues her work as an activist.
Is It Any Good?
This book is a wonderful example of the power we all have to make a difference in the world. The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers illustrates the courage and hope Ruby Bridges and her family had when she embarked on her historic journey for an equal education. The story shares important facts and details from the time period in a child-friendly tone. Illustrator, Katie Crumpton's pictures are both heartfelt and engaging for kids. This is a wonderful and timely book that reminds us of America's history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers shares lots of information about Ruby's story. What is something new you learned?
Why do you think it was important to let all kids go to public schools in the United States and not reserve some for Whites only and others for kids of color?
Why is it important for Ruby to continue to tell her story to young children today?
Book Details
- Author: Arlisha Norwood
- Illustrator: Katie Crumpton
- Genre: History
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Rockridge Press
- Publication date: January 20, 2021
- Number of pages: 64
- Available on: Paperback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 27, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
This Is Your Time
Powerful true tale of girl who desegregated school in 1960.
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Ruby Bridges
Historical drama lacks subtlety but has positive messages.
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March Forward Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine
Must-read memoir of a childhood in the segregated South.
For kids who love stories of courage and activism
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