I Am Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges

Oct 2022 · Scholastic Audio · Narrated by Grace Capeless

About this audiobook

Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of the momentous day in 1960 when Ruby became the first Black child to integrate the all-white William Franz Elementary 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 bridge the "gap" between Black & white...

...and hopefully all people!

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

When Ruby Bridges was six years old, she became the first Black child to integrate the all-white William Frantz Elementary in Louisiana. Based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960 and told from her point of view, this is a poetic reflection on her experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.

I Am Ruby Bridges offers hope and confidence to all children. It is the perfect learning tool for schools and libraries to teach the story of Ruby Bridges and introduce this landmark story to young readers in a powerful new way. This story of innocence and courage is brought to life by NAACP-nominated artist, Nikkolas Smith through stunning and breath-taking illustrations. Embracing the meaning of her name, Bridges reflects with poignancy and heart on the way one brave little girl stood proud to help build a bridge between all people and pave the path for future generations.

About the author

Ruby Bridges became a pioneer in school integration at the age of six, when she was chosen to spend her first-grade year in what had formerly been an all-white elementary school. Ruby Bridges now works as a lecturer, telling her story to adults and children alike. She lives with her husband and sons in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NIKKOLAS SMITH is a native of Houston, Texas, and a Master of Architecture recipient from Hampton University. He is an ARTivist, concept artist, children’s book author, film illustrator and movie poster designer. His books include The Artivist, The Golden Girls of Rio (nominated for an NAACP Image Award) and My Hair Is Poofy and That’s Okay, and World Cup Women. He is also the illustrator of New York Times bestseller The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, I Am Ruby Bridges, Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, and That Flag. He lives in Los Angeles, California.