Through My Eyes- Bridges, Ruby

I thought this was a really good book. You hear about integration in school, but you never really go in depth on the subject. This book really opened my eyes to just how tough it was for those African American students. It really got to me because Ruby Bridges didn't really realize what was going on and that the reason she never saw other kids was because she was black. I felt like she was better off not knowing. It broke my heart when she told about the day the little white boy said he couldn't play with her because she was black and his mother had told him not to play with her. What I thought spoke so well of Ruby Bridges was that she told him that she understood. That took a lot for a first grader to say that and be OK with that. My heart goes out to her. I also think that her teacher should be recognized for her contributions also. Barbara Henry was a hero herself. She took a teaching position that she knew could put her safety and life at stake. Mrs. Henry did her job which was to give Ruby the same education that the other kids got. She put herself out there for a little girl that she didn't even know and has now forevermore left an impression on that child's life. This book was a joy to read and definitely a book I will use in my classroom.