9 Best Children’s Books about Ruby Bridges to Read in [2025]
Imagine a world where you are not allowed to attend schools because of your skin color. Now imagine you are the only black person to attend a school that is filled with all white people. How out of place would you feel?
That is the beginning of the story of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. She was the first black kid to attend a school that only admitted white people. In fact, her photograph while exiting the same school; is extremely famous and a landmark event in breaking the barrier against racism.
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Being a part of such a significant event cemented Ruby Bridges’ name in American history. She went on to become the chairperson of Ruby Bridges Foundation where tolerance, respect, and appreciation of differences are taught.
Undoubtedly she has become a role model for thousands of people across the country and your little ones ought to be inspired by her story. Hence, we have picked the best Children’s books about Ruby Bridges so that you can make your child learn about this influential figure.
Best Ruby Bridges Books for your Kids to Get Inspiration From
When a person becomes the first black kid to attend an all white school, it is obvious that there are going to be numerous books written on that person. And that is exactly the case with Ruby Bridges.
Although we have listed nine books about her in the list, here is a glimpse of what our top picks are. These books should definitely be on your priority list.
- Our #1 Choice: The Story of Ruby Bridges: This is the story of a six-year old who managed to shape history. The book has been beautifully illustrated and serves as the perfect introduction to this inspiring story.
- Best Value Pick: The Story of Ruby Bridges (A Biography Book): This book serves as the best way to make small kids understand something as important as the civil rights movement. Along with it, the book imparts values to acceptance and brotherhood that every kid needs to learn.
- Best Budget Pick: Ruby Bridges Goes to School: If you want a book to make your kids understand the complicated concept of legally mandated segregation, then this is the book for it. Written in a simple language, this book is a great pick for anyone.
1. The Story of Ruby Bridges
Our number one choice is a very well-illustrated book on the courage of a small girl that managed to open doors for millions of kids in the country. Going to school was a challenge for Ruby Bridges, and her grit will be a source of inspiration for your kids.
The book is also covered with beautiful watercolors illustrations that add a different perspective to the story.
The book also imparts values like love, compassion, and brushes on the consequences of racism. This book sheds light on the serious issue of racism in an effective yet easy manner.
- Best suitable for Age: 4 to 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool -to- 3
- No. of Pages: 32
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
2. Ruby Bridges Goes to School
This book, which happens to be our best budget pick, is a must-have in your kids’ library. The book deals with the topic of legally mandated segregation in a very simple yet hard-hitting way.
The book takes us through the story of Ruby Bridges, who was the first African-American to attend an elementary school that was open to only white people.
We are sure when your kids read the story of how a six-year old walked through a crowd of angry people to attend school, they will be inspired to take up various challenges in their lives.
This book inspires everyone to be courageous through the small act of courage from a small child.
- Best suitable for Age: 4 to 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool -to- 3
- No. of Pages: 32
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
3. The Story of Ruby Bridges (A Biography Book)
The book that happens to be our pick for the best value is an amazing story about a small girl who managed to leave her mark in history. The book will teach your kids about the acts of bravery that led to breaking down barriers in elementary school.
The book is written in a very straightforward language that manages to give kids information about the importance of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America. This will ensure that the kids will not get bored reading about serious topics.
Additionally, the book is also very well sized and will fit into the hands of small kids without any issues.
- Best suitable for Age: 6 to 9 years
- Grade Level: 1 to 2
- No. of Pages: 64
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
4. This Is Your Time
This book has been written in a very different format. This has been written as a letter from Ruby Bridges to the reader.
The book is an appeal to the readers and the younger generations to bring in the much-needed change. Additionally, it also acts as recounting the events of the civil rights activist.
The book has very strong illustrations from the fateful day when Ruby first attended elementary school. This book is very short, and hence, it will capture the attention of kids who tend to have shorter attention spans.
This book has been regarded as a gem to the present generations from Ruby Bridges, and it encourages the kids to bring a change to the world.
- Best suitable for Age: 10 to 15 years
- Grade Level: 5 to 6
- No. of Pages: 64
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
5. Ruby Bridges: A Brave Child Who Made History
As already given in the title, Ruby Bridges had to be extremely strong in order to bring in a change. As a six year old, it is unimaginable what she had to go through just to attend elementary school.
This book brings out the bravery of a small child who managed to change the world. It is a must read for all the kids so that they are able to get inspired by someone, who took a brave step when she was of their age.
- Best suitable for Age: 5 to 8 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten -to- 2
- No. of Pages: 24
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
6. She Persisted: Ruby Bridges
The inspiring and amazing story of Ruby Bridges is presented in very simple language and in a way that kids can understand. It is short, to the point, and brings out the important details of the life and tale of the civil rights activist.
This book is a powerful presentation of the courage of young Ruby Bridges and the determination it took for her to go ahead and break a barrier. No wonder this book will give them the inspiration that they need.
- Best suitable for Age: 6 to 9 years
- Grade Level: 1 to 4
- No. of Pages: 80
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
7. Ruby, Head High: Ruby Bridge’s First Day of School
The book takes a different perspective. This book is based on a fictional character who happens to have a dream featuring Ruby Bridges. The story is told from the point of view of this girl to whom the story has been narrated.
The illustrations are beautiful, engaging, and expressive and manage to deliver strong messages. The book is easily able to simplify the tough concepts and thus make sure that younger children can grasp them.
- Best suitable for Age: 6 to 8 years
- Grade Level: 1 to 3
- No. of Pages: 32
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
8. Ruby Bridges (Rookie Biographies)
An amazing book, it serves as a great introduction to Ruby Bridges for younger kids who are unaware of her and her importance in the history of the country. The book is purely fact-based and dives into the life and legacy of this woman.
Additionally, the book has a lot of photographs that capture the hard times she went through. With its short texts and many pictures, the book is almost like an album for kids.
- Best suitable for Age: 6 to 7 years
- Grade Level: 1 to 2
- No. of Pages: 32
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
9. Ruby Bridges: Get to Know the Girl Who Took a Stand for Education
This book is perfect for anyone looking for in-depth information on the famous civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. It has a lot of information compared to other books that cover just basic details.
The book is very well written, with vivid pictures that give life to the story. The book also has a ‘Did you know?’ section that serves as an excellent fact based information source. It is a must read for your kids.
- Best suitable for Age: 8 to 10 years
- Grade Level: 3 to 6
- No. of Pages: 32
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
That is it, folks! These are the best Ruby Bridges books we have listed for you and your little one to read and take inspiration from. Hopefully, the value of courage and determination will be instilled in your curious kids after reading these books. Have a great day!
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