Ruby Bridges – författare

In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked through an angry crowd and into a school, changing history. This is the true story of an extraordinary little girl who became the first Black person to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans.

With simple text and historical photographs, this easy reader explores an amazing moment in history and celebrates the courage of a young girl who stayed strong in the face of racism.

"I've heard their hearts and now share those hearts with you. These pages truly speak to the power of children!" -- Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was the first Black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and to create change through education. She traveled across the US, listening to the inspiring voices of young children.

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts is a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today's issues, including bullying, climate change, gun violence, and racism. Reading Ruby's intuitive and inspirational responses, young readers will embrace the courage to be brave, bold, and confident.

Dear Ruby,

My name is Olivia. Thank you for sharing your story. It made me want to be brave and stand up to make a change. You showed me to not give up when something is unfair. You can make it change, no matter what. I bet you were scared just like me. You said that if someone or something is putting you down, you get back up.

My heart heard that, and I am trying to be more like you.

Sincerely,

Olivia

My dearest Olivia,

I am so pleased you wrote to me, especially about standing up. I know all too well how scary it can be to stand up for yourself or even others. Just know it takes a courageous and brave person to stand up, even if you are afraid. It happens to us all!

I am proud of you,

Ruby Bridges

The students' letters and Ruby's responses are powerfully illustrated with dynamic and thought-provoking artwork by John Jay Cabuay.

Acclaimed civil rights icon, Ruby Bridges, shares the touching tale of reuniting with the first-grade teacher who changed her life, Mrs. Henry.

Once again, you have shown me that you never get too old to learn. Teaching really is the noblest of professions.

When Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she made history by being the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School. She became best friends with her teacher, Mrs. Henry. Excited to come back for her second year, Ruby is soon devastated to learn that Mrs. Henry isn’t her second-grade teacher. Where did Mrs. Henry go? Can Ruby ever reconnect with her favorite teacher?

A love letter to teachers who hold the power to change lives, Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher illuminates the lasting impact that the best of teachers can have on the lives of their students. Trudy Tran's emotive rendering of Ruby Bridges from childhood to adulthood brings new life to this heartwarming story of a reunion between two long lost best friends.