Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts
by Ruby Bridges (Author) John Jay Cabuay (Illustrator)
"I've heard their hearts and now share those hearts with you. These pages truly speak to the power of children!" -- Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges was the first Black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and to create change through education. She traveled across the US, listening to the inspiring voices of young children.
Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts is a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today's issues, including bullying, climate change, gun violence, and racism. Reading Ruby's intuitive and inspirational responses, young readers will embrace the courage to be brave, bold, and confident.
Dear Ruby,
My name is Olivia. Thank you for sharing your story. It made me want to be brave and stand up to make a change. You showed me to not give up when something is unfair. You can make it change, no matter what. I bet you were scared just like me. You said that if someone or something is putting you down, you get back up.
My heart heard that, and I am trying to be more like you.
Sincerely,
Olivia
My dearest Olivia,
I am so pleased you wrote to me, especially about standing up. I know all too well how scary it can be to stand up for yourself or even others. Just know it takes a courageous and brave person to stand up, even if you are afraid. It happens to us all!
I am proud of you,
Ruby Bridges
The students' letters and Ruby's responses are powerfully illustrated with dynamic and thought-provoking artwork by John Jay Cabuay.
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Publishers Weekly
Addressing climate change, discrimination, and gun violence, among other issues, children's letters to Ruby Bridges form the basis of this affirming work. On each page, a young writer shares concerns and moments of bravery, and Bridges answers with encouragement and validation. Many of the letter-writers draw strength from the figure's example: "when I think about your bravery, I think I can be brave too." Spreads center each letter with declarative titles in red banners ("Stop Asian hate!"), while Cabuay's textural illustrations, which depict characters of various skin tones, capture each writer in a moment of resolute conviction. Inventively utilizing kids' voices to discuss their own experiences, this collection supports budding activist readers with relatable scenarios. A glossary concludes. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 5-10. (Jan.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
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
JNF053160 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JNF053270 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Civil & Human Rights
Self-confidence
Civil rights workers
United States
Civil rights movements
Civil rights
Bridges, Ruby
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Topics / Self-Es
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Topics / Civil &
