Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story

Title: Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story
Author: Ruby Bridges
Genre: Nonfiction (Autobiography)
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: K - 2

Because of segregation, black and white children had to go to different students. When Ruby Bridges was in first grade in 1961, she was allowed to go to William Frantz Elementary School, a previously all-white school in New Orleans. Many people protested and took their children out of the school. Mrs. Henry, her teacher, taught her alone for months until the other students came back. Ruby became well-known in history and her story has be shared through books, newspapers, TV, and artwork. All grown up, Ruby is married, has children, and visits school to tell children her story. Filled with historical photographs and written by Ruby herself, this would be a good book to used during the civil rights movement unit. The language used is simple enough for young readers to read independently. Students can see that they are in the class together despite their racial differences because segregation ended and people had advocated for this change. Students can learn about other people that were important to the civil rights movement and discuss the harms of racism prevalent even in modern times.



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