I Am Ruby Bridges

In a beautiful and poetic reflection, Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of that momentous day in 1960 when Ruby was the first child to integrate the school system as a six-year-old little girl -- a personal and intimate look through a child's lens at a landmark moment in our Civil Rights history.

My work will be precious,

I will be a bridge between people…

I will bridge the “gap” between black & white…

… but hopefully all people!

I suppose some things in life are just meant to be.

When Ruby Bridges was just six-year-old, she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Told from the perspective of her six year old self and based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960, Ruby tells her story from her own point of view for the first time, in a poetic reflection on her experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.

Embracing her name and discovering that even at six years old Ruby Bridges was able to pave the path for future generations, this is a story full of innocence and courage. The vibrant and warm illustrations from NAACP nominated illustrator Nikkolas Smith brings Ruby's story to life. This inspiring book offers hope and confidence to all children and is a perfect learning tool for schools and libraries to teach the story of Ruby Bridges as never before and will introduce this landmark story to young readers in a powerful new way. With poignancy, heart and from a child's eye view, Bridges reflects on the way one brave little girl stood proud and tall to help build a bridge between all people.