Scholastic is proud to announce the publication of I Am Ruby Bridges, a beautiful and momentous new picture book written by Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges and illustrated by #1 New York Timesbestselling artist Nikkolas Smith.
On sale September 6, 2022, this must-have poetic reflection marks the first time that Bridges shares her powerful and trailblazing story from the perspective of her six-year-old self – providing a personal and intimate look through a child’s lens at an experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.
When Bridges was just six years old, she became the first Black student to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary school in Louisiana. Based on these pivotal events that happened in 1960, I Am Ruby Bridges offers hope and confidence to all children, and reminds them that they, too, can be instruments of change and make the world a better place.
Bridges is one of the most important figures in Black history, and this new book introduces her landmark story to young readers in a powerful new way. Embracing the meaning of her name, Bridges reflects with heart on the way she bravely stood proud and tall to help build a bridge between all people and pave the path for future generations. A glossary in the back will help kids learn the definitions of key words throughout the book.