I Am Ruby Bridges

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. Praise for I Am Ruby Bridges: * "Any picture book collection tackling the Civil Rights Movement has to start here. Highly recommended for all shelves, this exemplary title for history and biography collections shows how the events of the world impact our youngest citizens." -- School Library Journal, starred review "A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Through My Eyes: "Compelling." -- School Library Journal "Bridges's words, recalling a child's innocence and trust, are more vivid than even the best of the photos. Like poetry or prayer, they melt the heart." -- Publishers Weekly Nikkolas Smith, a native of Houston, Texas, is a Master of Architecture recipient from Hampton University. He is an ARTivist, Concept artist, Children's Books Author, Film Illustrator and Movie poster designer (Black Panther, Soul, Beale Street, Southside With You, Dear White People, Stranger Fruit). He is the author/illustrator of the picture books The Golden Girls of Rio (nominated for an NAACP Image Award) and My Hair Is Poofy And That's Okay. The latest children's book he has illustrated, World Cup Women, features the World Champion USWNT. He lives in Los Angeles, California. Ruby Bridges is a Civil Rights icon, activist, author and speaker who at the age of six was the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in Louisiana. Her walk to the front door of the school was immortalized in Norman Rockwell's painting The Problem We All Live With, in Robert Coles' book The Story of Ruby Bridges, and in the Disney movie Ruby Bridges. Bridges is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NAACP Martin Luther King Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and honorary doctorate degrees from Connecticut College, College of New Rochelle, Columbia University Teachers College, and Tulane University. Bridges is also the author of Through My Eyes, This Is Your Time, and most recently, her acclaimed picture book, I Am Ruby Bridges.