National civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges responds to letters from thoughtful and concerned young students from across America."I've heard their hearts and now share those hearts with you. These pages truly speak to the power of children!" -- Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges was the first Black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and to create change through education. She traveled across the US, listening to the inspiring voices of young children.
Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts is a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today's issues, including bullying, climate change, gun violence, and racism. Reading Ruby's intuitive and inspirational responses, young readers will embrace the courage to be brave, bold, and confident.
Dear Ruby,
My name is Olivia. Thank you for sharing your story. It made me want to be brave and stand up to make a change. You showed me to not give up when something is unfair. You can make it change, no matter what. I bet you were scared just like me. You said that if someone or something is putting you down, you get back up.
My heart heard that, and I am trying to be more like you.
Sincerely,
Olivia
My dearest Olivia,
I am so pleased you wrote to me, especially about standing up. I know all too well how scary it can be to stand up for yourself or even others. Just know it takes a courageous and brave person to stand up, even if you are afraid. It happens to us all!
I am proud of you,
Ruby Bridges
The students' letters and Ruby's responses are powerfully illustrated with dynamic and thought-provoking artwork by John Jay Cabuay.
About the Author :
Ruby Bridges is a civil rights icon, activist, author, and speaker who, at the age of six, was the first Black student to integrate William Frantz Elementary, an all-white elementary school in Louisiana. Bridges is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NAACP Martin Luther King Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal, and she has received honorary doctorate degrees from Connecticut College; College of New Rochelle; Teachers College, Columbia University; and Tulane University. In 2024, Bridges was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Bridges is also the author of I Am Ruby Bridges; Through My Eyes; This Is Your Time; and Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts. Ruby lives in Louisiana with her family. Learn more at rubybridges.com.
John Jay Cabuay is the illustrator of Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley. His illustrations have graced the covers of newspapers, magazines, and book jackets worldwide. He received his MFA in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. John Jay lives in New York City with his family.
Review :
"Inventively utilizing kids' voices to discuss their own experiences, this collection supports budding activist readers with relatable scenarios." -- Publishers Weekly
"The issues that matter to young Americans come alive in Cabuay's energetic illustrations, which make deft use of color and texture." -- Kirkus Reviews
Praise for I Am Ruby Bridges:
* "Any picture book collection tackling the Civil Rights Movement has to start here. Highly recommended for all shelves, this exemplary title for history and biography collections shows how the events of the world impact our youngest citizens." -- School Library Journal, starred review
"A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era." -- Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Through My Eyes:
"Compelling." -- School Library Journal
"Bridges's words, recalling a child's innocence and trust, are more vivid than even the best of the photos. Like poetry or prayer, they melt the heart." -- Publishers Weekly
