The Story of Ruby Ridges

Author: Robert Coles

 Susan Wojciechowski (Author)

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Illustrator:  George Ford

Publishing information: (Scholastic Press, February 1, 1995, Ages 4-8)

Number of Pages: 26 pages

Genre: Non Fiction

Summary of Plot:

            This book is based on the true story of Ruby Ridges, the first black girl to go to William Frantz Elementary school. Her family had just moved to New Orleans. They went to court to have the schools desegregated. Three other girls as well as Ruby were going to go to formerly all-white schools. Ruby was going to a school separate from the rest of them. On Ruby’s first day, after a lot of prayer, she walked to school guarded by US Marshall’s. The crowd was very angry. Most parents withdrew their children from school. Ruby was the only student in her class. Her teacher, Mrs. Henry, was white, but kind to her. One day Ruby forgot to say a prayer before she got to school, so she said it when she remembered, right in the middle of the mob. The guards kept her safe though. Her prayer was about forgiving the people that were mean. Later that year some whites began to join her at school.

           

My Reaction to the book:

            This book is short, powerful, and to the point. I like reading biography type stories. This story teaches many things. It teaches about hope, faith forgiveness, and love, in the midst of hate. After I read this I thought to myself, “How would I react if I were in Ruby’s place”. She was very courageous. I found the pictures to be bright and warm, even though a lot of the story was dealing with hate. That was a good hidden message; there is always hope, even in difficult times.

Potential Problems:

Hate, violence, mean remarks, and other items associated with the civil rights era are a huge portion of this book.

           

Recommendations:

            Those who like history, biographies, or inspirational stories, this book would be a great choice. It is all truth. This story did happen in real life. People can learn a lot from this book. It can be a source of hope. The pictures are good as well. They enhance the story. This story would make a great resource in a lesson about civil rights.