About the Author

Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for volumes two and three of the five-volume work Children of Crisis, Robert Coles is the author of many distinguished books for adults. A research psychiatrist at Harvard University, Dr. Coles lives outside Boston, Massachusetts.
George Ford has illustrated many acclaimed books for children, including Ray Charles by Sharon Bell Mathis, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, and Paul Robeson by Eloise Greenfield, winner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Mr. Ford lives with his wife and daughter in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

Praise for The Story of Ruby Bridges"Ford's moving watercolour paintings... capture the physical warmth of Ruby's family and community, the immense powers against her, and her shining inner strength." -- Booklist

K-Gr 4-This true story (Scholastic, 1995) by Robert Coles recounts the actions of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African-American girl, who courageously went to her first-grade class in a New Orleans elementary school after court-ordered desegregation in 1960. White parents would not allow their children to attend the school, and angry crowds taunted Ruby as she was escorted to class by federal marshals. The courageous little girl "began learning how to read and write in an empty classroom, an empty building." Ruby's teacher was amazed at Ruby's calm manner and perseverance to learn in such a hostile environment. After many months, one white family began sending their sons to Ruby's school, and soon the other students returned-and integration was achieved. Lea Chapman eloquently narrates this story of a child's inner strength and heroism. An upbeat bluegrass tune in the background emulates Ruby's steadiness and optimism, and George Ford's watercolor paintings are scanned iconographically. Concepts such as integration, civil rights, and the power of hate are presented and will promote class discussions. A powerful story about a child's heroism and perseverance and an excellent history lesson.-Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary School, Laramie, WY Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.