"Through My Eyes"

Through My Eyes
Author: Ruby Bridges
Illustrator: None
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Biography, Racism
Theme: Acceptance, Discrimination
Primary/Secondary Characters: Ruby Bridges, Mrs. King, Dr. Coles
Date of Publication: Year 1999
Publishing Company: Scholastic Press
Award: Orbis Pictus Award Winner

Summary: Ruby Bridges was a six year old black girl who just wanted an education, just like any other child. Ruby was protected in school by four U.S federal marshalls, as they made sure she was not harmed by the angry racist mobs and protestors. White parents of students in Ruby's class complained that there was a colored girl in the class with their child, and eventually all the children were taken out of the school to protest. ruby was the only student left in the classroom, and her dedicated teacher, Mrs. King decided to still teach Ruby, as she believed every student deserved an education. The year after, Ruby got another teacher by the name of Mrs. Henry, who she admired and became very attached to. Segregation at this time was at a high, and Ruby even had a psychiatrist by the name of Dr. Coles who talked to her about her issues and concerns. When the school was filled back up with students, Ruby felt different from all the other children, and although it was integrated, her life was changed forever. This book can be used in the classroom when teaching about racism and discrimination. Ruby was denied an education by the public because of her color, but because of one dedicated teacher, Ruby pushed on. Children can be inspired by Ruby as they learn that even if someone tells them that they cannot do something, that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. Teaching children about discrimination is extremely important, especially when it still exists, in parts, today.

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