In November 1960, all of America watched as a tiny six-year-old black girl, surrounded by federal marshals, walked through a mob of screaming segregationists and into her school. An icon of the civil rights movement, Ruby chronicles each dramatic step of this pivotal event in history through her own words. 8-12 years
I Am Ruby Bridges
By Ruby Bridges, Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
My work will be precious.
I will bridge the “gap” between Black & white…
…and hopefully all people!
I suppose some things in life are just meant to be.
When Ruby Bridges was six years old, she became the first Black child to integrate the all-white William Frantz Elementary in Louisiana. Based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960 and told from her point of view, this is a poetic reflection on her experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement. 4-8 years
This Is Your Time
By Ruby Bridges
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. 10-15 years
Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story
By Ruby Bridges
The extraordinary true story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school with simple text for young readers!
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby walked through an angry crowd and into a school where she changed history.
This is the true story of an extraordinary little girl who helped shape our country when she became the first African-American to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. With simple text and historical photographs, this easy reader explores an amazing moment in history and the courage of a young girl who stayed strong in the face of racism. 4-8 years
The Story of Ruby Bridges
By Robert Cole, Illustrated by George Ford
The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. A judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school. She must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. This is Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope. 4-8 years
Ruby, Head High, Ruby Bridges’ First Day of School
By Irène Cohen-Janca, Illustrated by Marc Daniau
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. 7-10 years
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
By Susan Hood, Illustrated by 13 outstanding illustrators
Shaking Things Up introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist.
In this book of poems, you will find Mary Anning, who was just thirteen when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil. You’ll meet Ruby Bridges, the brave six year old who helped end segregation in the South. And Maya Lin, who at twenty-one won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create.
Readers will also learn about Molly Williams, Annette Kellerman, Nellie Bly, Pura Belpré, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, Frances Moore Lappé, Mae Jemison, Angela Zhang, and Malala Yousafzai. 4-8 years
Ruby Bridges: A Brave Child Who Made History
By Jeri Cipriano, Illustrated by Scott R. Brooks
Ruby Bridges just wanted to go to a good school. She did not ask to be a hero, but she knew how to be strong. Her bravery made it possible for classrooms today to be safe places for children of all races. 5-8 years
Ruby Bridges: Get to Know the Girl Who Took a Stand for Education
By Michelle Derosier
Ruby Bridges was just six years old when she was chosen to be the first and only black child in the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. At the time, Ruby was too young to understand how the simple act of attending school would change the lives of many to come. Her courageous act left the legacy that given a chance, anyone at any age can make a difference in the world. 8-10 years
Ruby Bridges
By Simone T. Ribke
Ruby Bridges grew up at a time when African-Americans were treated as second-class citizens in many parts of the United States. At just six year old, this courageous child stood up against racism and hatred to help integrate Louisiana’s school system. Her story continues to inspire people of all ages. 6-7 years
Ruby Bridges and the Desegregation of the American Schools
By Harris Duchess
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. She became the first black student to attend the previously all-white school. This event paved the way for widespread school desegregation in the South. This book explores her legacy with easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter. 8-11
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children Author
Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision of change through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey with dreams of freedom for all. 4-8 years
Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights
By George E. Stanley, Illustrated by Meryl Henderson
Coretta Scott King is well known for being the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and for her own civil rights and world peace activism. She also received many awards and honorary degrees. But before she did all of those impressive things, Coretta was a strong little girl who could out climb anyone in her neighborhood, was very close to her dad, and had a beautiful singing voice. Coretta learned that if you work hard enough, your dreams can come true. 8-12 years
Who Was Coretta Scott King
By Gail Herman, Illustrated by Gregory Copeland
Growing up in Alabama, Coretta Scott King graduated valedictorian from her high school before becoming one of the first African American students at Antioch College in Ohio. It was there that she became politically active and joined the local chapter of the NAACP. After her marriage to Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta took part in the Civil Rights Movement. Following her husband’s assassination in 1968, she assumed leadership of the movement. 8-12 years
Coretta Scott King: Dare to Dream
By Angela Shelf Medearis, Illustrated by Anna Rich
From her childhood encounters with discrimination to her activism as an adult, Coretta Scott King dreamed of finding a place where people were treated equally. This biography tells the story of how she came to stand up against prejudice and violence during the African American Civil Rights Movement. 8-12 years
Women Who Broke the Rules: Coretta Scott King
By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Coretta Scott King, the wife of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., established her own career in activism. She took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, worked to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and founded the Center for Nonviolent Change. She dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights. 6-9 years
A Book To Share With Kids:
My Life, My Love, My Legacy
By Coretta Scott King and Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds
Coretta’s is a love story, a family saga, and the memoir of an extraordinary black woman in 20th century America. She was a brave leader, who, in the face of hatred, stood committed, proud, forgiving, nonviolent, and hopeful every day of her life.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
