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.
As a first grader, Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was no easy task, especially for a six-year-old. Ruby's bravery and perseverance inspired children and adults alike to fight for equality and social justice. Perfect for back-to-school reading!
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Ruby Bridges's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.
And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman, Claudette Colvin, Coretta Scott King, and more!
Praise for She Persisted: Ruby Bridges:
"Bridges’ voice, quoted from various sources, gives readers access to her own perspective. A context-offering complement to Bridges’ own books for children." --Kirkus Reviews
"Given the more relatable perspective of starting first grade, this volume makes Bridges’s story poignant for the intended audience." --School Library Journal
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-The acclaimed Magoon joins a long roster of stellar writers taking on impactful women for Clinton and Boiger's chapter book biography series. The strength of this narrative is not only the history of school integration it provides, but the perspective of the child who stood for all Black children seeking an equal education. Interior illustrations by Flint capture Ruby's point of view through two key moments depicted in each chapter. These pencil drawings break up the text and add interest to the narrative with so much detail that readers can even spot that Ruby is left-handed. Starting first grade is a milestone, and Ruby's experience, while unique, is also relatable. Riding in a big car to school, the giant men who surrounded her as she walked in, believing the crowds outside were a Madi Gras parade, and her loneliness in a classroom of one are described. The impact on her family and support of the community made being "brave" Ruby's job all year. Integrating her school became Bridges's identity as she gained an understanding of the significance of her experience and continues to represent the importance of equal education for all-persisting. A worthy compilation of resources and a list of how readers can stand up for equality is also included. VERDICT Given the more relatable perspective of starting first grade, this volume makes Bridges's story poignant for the intended audience. Start units about integration in schools with this book.-Janet S. Thompson, Chicago P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.