Teaching Children's Literature
“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” ~C.S. Lewis
The Story of Ruby Bridges
The Story of Ruby Bridges: Special Anniversary Edition. Written by Robert Coles, Illustrated by George Ford. Scholastic Paperbacks, c. 201o.
Reading Level: 730L
Synopsis: Ruby Bridges was the first African American female to integrate into the elementary schools in the Southern city of New Orleans. This story, told in picture book form, tells the story of young Ruby as she struggles to survive and just be a normal kid in the integrated south.
Rationale for classroom use: This biography would be a good introduction to non-fiction along with a social studies unit on integration.
Common Core Connection: Reading Informational texts and learning about historical events in the U.S. during the 1960’s.
