The Story of Ruby Bridges

By Robert Coles, George Ford (Illustrator)

A young girl integrates a white elementary school in New Orleans in the 1960s.

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 13,023 ratings

32 pages· 1,014 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

In 1960 New Orleans, six-year-old Ruby Bridges bravely steps into an all-white school, facing angry mobs and racial hostility. As the first African American student at William Frantz Elementary, Ruby's courage and resilience challenge a divided society. Will her strength inspire change, or will the weight of prejudice prove too great? Her story of hope and determination continues to echo through the decades, reminding us of the power of one child's bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

From the publisher

For months six-year-old Ruby Bridges must confront the hostility of white parents when she becomes the first African American girl to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 1,014
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD730L

Themes & topics

Books about bravery Books about historical figures Books about famous people Books about race relations Books about school

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.5

“This is a powerful true story about a brave girl, and a great starting point for talking to kids about racism, segregation, and doing what is right, even if it is hard. The text strikes a good balance between providing historical detail and focusing on Ruby's personal experiences as the plot. It's a bit wordy for younger kids, but perfect for later elementary school readers, and the illustrations are lovely.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

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