Through My Eyes

This book is the real story of Ruby Bridges in the 1950's while school integration is being implemented. The story starts with Ruby as a kindergartner going to school in an all black school. Once she reaches 1st grade it is a law that all schools must be integrated. Her parents decide to enroll her in a neighboring all-white school. She is one of 4 other girls that attend. The crowds gather around to protest and poor Ruby is basically put through hell her entire 1st grade year. The parents of that school remove their children and blackmail the school. Consequently Ruby is the only girl in her class.

Ruby wrote this story herself in order to tell the famous story of integration through a child's eyes. Her journey was amazing and inspiring. She was the foundation for full school integration. The pictures in this book are the real life thing. There are pictures that are extremely detailed....like it shows the white mothers actually screaming at Ruby and protesting. I love that this story is told from a little girls prospective. I would definitely use this book in my classroom to teach my children about how hard times were. The pictures really help to paint a vivid picture in your mind. This story is heartbreaking and sad but also inspirational. To know that one little girl can make a difference teaches your students that they can also make a difference.