The Story of Ruby Bridges By Robert Coles

Reading Level: 3-5
Genre: Biography

This is the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old African American student who is one of six children chosen to be the first to integrate the schools in New Orleans.  Ruby was sent to a different school than all the other students chosen so she had to endure mobs of parents of the white children that didn't want her going to school with their children all alone.  She also had to spend the beginning of her school year in a classroom all by herself because the parents of the other children refused to let their children come to class with Ruby.  Through it all though Ruby tries to not allow all the craziness surrounding her to affect her and she even goes as far as to pray for the people harassing her.

This is a great story to address the topic of discrimination and hate because it address the fact that sometimes people aren't always fair and kind and sometimes they are down right hateful but that doesn't mean that when we are treated that way we have to stoop to our oppressor's level.  I think this could be a great book for a class discussion or a Socratic seminar.  Also, I think that this book is also a great book to bring up the topic of how even as young person they can make a change in the world and that they can stand up for what they believe in.