Through My Eyes
Author: Ruby Bridges
Genre: Non Fiction
Ages: 8-12 years old
Themes: Integration, segregation
Summary: This is the true story of a 6 year old girl who was chosen to be a part of integrating schools in 1960. It is told by Ruby Bridges and shares her memories, fears and feelings during this tremendous time in her life.
Pre-Reading Activity: Have the class stand up and separate them by eye color. Tell them they are only allowed to talk to, sit next to and be friends with others who have the same color eyes as them. From this activity lead into a discussion about segregation and what it meant for people during that time.
Post-Reading Activity: Discuss the pros and cons that Ruby had to deal with in this book. Make a chart and as a class recall how Ruby dealt with each of these things.
Reflection: This is a very powerful book to use with students. It gives a first hand account of what it was like to live in this situation and be one of the first black children to be integrated into an all-white school.
About the Author:
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.
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