RUBY BRIDGES: A TALK WITH MY TEACHER, by Ruby Bridges and Trudy Tran, Orchard Books, Jan. 7, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Ruby Bridges, shares the tale of reuniting with the first-grade teacher who changed her life in Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher.
When Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she made history by being the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School. She became best friends with her teacher, Mrs. Henry. Excited to come back for her second year, Ruby is soon devastated to learn that Mrs. Henry isn’t her second-grade teacher. Where did Mrs. Henry go? Can Ruby ever reconnect with her favorite teacher?
A love letter to teachers who hold the power to change lives, Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher illuminates the lasting impact that the best of teachers can have on the lives of their students. Trudy Tran’s emotive rendering of Ruby Bridges from childhood to adulthood brings new life to this heartwarming story of a reunion between two long lost best friends. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Book
Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher focuses on Ruby’s memories of and interactions with Mrs. Henry. It doesn’t tell the complete story about Ruby’s role in integration, but it does fill out the story that people are familiar with.
Ruby Bridges’ story is conveyed with bright, hope-filled text that’s comfortable to read. Trudy Tran’s illustrations feature a soft quality evokes the feeling of memories. They have a lovely strength to them.
End pages include a list of educators from throughout history that had a large impact on our world.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
