The Story of Ruby Bridges

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright: 1995
Number of Pages: 24
Age: 7+
Genre: Nonfictional/Picture

Summary:
This is a story about a little girl named Ruby Bridges. Ruby was an African American who was sent to an all white school. On Ruby's first day in school there was an angry mob outside of the school saying that the little girl didn't deserve to come to an all white school. However, even though all the white people were protesting Ruby continued to go to school. When she went to school she had to have guards walk her to school in case the mob tried to hurt Ruby. One day when Ruby went to school no one was in the classroom but the teacher. All the white folks pulled their children out of the school because they didn't want their children going to school with an African American. The teacher continued to teach Ruby. One day the mob was more angry than ever. Ruby stopped in the crowd and started to say a prayer. She said a prayer so soft and sweet that asked God to forgive the people because they didn't know what they were doing and that He should forgive them like when they said bad things about Him a long time ago. After Ruby said her prayer she continued to go to school. Eventually more African Americans came to that school and the whites returned to school as well.
My reaction
I loved this book very much. I loved that Ruby was so brave. I loved the prayer that she said. That prayer touched me because it was said in a way that I hadn't thought of before. I loved that she related herself to Jesus Christ when people said bad things about Him, she felt the same way. It was very moving and an important part of our history.
Who would benefit from this book?
Everyone would benefit from this book because it is an important part of our history that everyone should know about. Its perfect for children because its from child's point of view.
What problems might this book cause?
None.