(2) K-3 Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. "When I grow up, my work will be precious, I will be a bridge." Bridges, known for her brave work in desegregating a Louisiana school at the age of six, here recounts her monumental entry into William Frantz Elementary as she remembers experiencing it as a child. This includes her excitement about testing into a new school that would provide "better opportunities" and her confusion about why four white men needed to drive her there. Her impressions of the noisy (white) adults screaming as she entered the building are innocent until she realizes she is the only student, and the only Black person inside. In this worthwhile and unique introduction to the civil rights era, Bridges shares memories of optimism and hope, told from a child's point of view that allows for an intimate connection with primary readers. Smith's illustrations, often sweeping double-page spreads, are equal parts immediate, metaphorical (at one point Ruby's fingers are positioned as an actual bridge), and informative. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes and a glossary, whose terms are highlighted in red throughout the story.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(2) K-3 A letter of love and care from civil rights icon Ruby Bridges to twenty-­first-century children marks the sixtieth anniversary of her integration of ­William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Dedicated to John Lewis, the "conscience of Congress," and addressed to "Young Peacemakers of the World," Bridges's book opens with a photograph of her first-grade self, looking inquisitively at the reader, her hand turning the page of a book. Powerful photographs, a mix of historical and contemporary, demonstrate hard truths throughout, with images shown of federal marshals escorting young Ruby and racist whites brandishing a Black doll in a casket in front of her school; the March on Washington alongside Black Lives Matter marches; and police turning fire hoses on teens in 1963 and spraying protestors with pepper spray in 2020. The book lays bare the ongoing consequences of racial inequality and injustice through descriptions and images of lost Black lives, including those of Freddie Gray and Bridges's own son, Craig. The juxtaposition of historical and contemporary scenes maintains a serious mood throughout, but Bridges's clear-eyed and comprehensible words--some acting almost as captions to explain the photographs; others expanding on large ideas--exhort young readers to stay united and positive, serve, and "keep your eyes on the prize" to make change. A boldly written, memorably illustrated message of hope for our time, from one who has fought for social justice all her life.

Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021

(2) 4-6 Bridges relates her story far more powerfully than has anyone else to date. After establishing a context for her place in the history of the civil rights movement, she lets her childhood memories, rather than her adult perceptions, drive the narrative, and emerges as an understandable and sympathetic young girl. Although the tangential boxed information is distracting and the photos are an uneven mix, Ruby's strong voice commands attention.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2000