Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts

by Ruby Bridges (Author) John Jay Cabuay (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
National civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges responds to letters from thoughtful and concerned young students from across America.

"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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Kirkus

Anemic messages of hope from an iconic activist.

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

Ruby Bridges
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.
John Jay Cabuay is the illustrator of Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley. His illustrations have graced the covers of newspapers, magazines, and book jackets worldwide. He received his MFA in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. John Jay lives in New York City with his family.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781338753912
Lexile Measure
810
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Orchard Books
Publication date
January 02, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF053050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Emotions & Feelings
JNF053160 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JNF053270 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Civil & Human Rights
Library of Congress categories
African Americans
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 &

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