Monday, August 7, 2017

PBT Redux #11 The Story of Ruby Bridges

School is about to start here in Alabama so I’m reposting my favorite “Back to School” PBT book. This true story is about a hero, a young Christian hero, who prays her way through a very difficult school year. Ruby Bridges is a name I wish American children knew as well as they know many sports stars and entertainers. Read this book to the kids in your faith family as they start school and talk about how prayer can ground them in difficult times.
Picture Book: The Story of Ruby Bridges 
Author: Robert Coles
Illustrator: George Ford
Summary: Ruby Bridges, 6-year-old hero of the Civil Rights Movement, daily faced an angry mob as she single-handedly integrated an elementary school in New Orleans. Facing this mob with courage, dignity, and her unyielding faith, every morning Ruby prayed for those who verbally abused her as she walked to school.
Hanna’s Comments: The author, a well-known child psychiatrist, regularly spent time with Ruby Bridges during her school integration ordeal. There is much material about Ruby Bridges, (interviews, documentaries, video dramas including a Disney film, a famous Norman Rockwell painting…) as well as other picture books. This book was chosen for PBT because it is a first-hand account, and it emphasizes Ruby’s resilience and faith.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1995
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet, see my comments above about other resources
Scripture Connections: The Lord is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7); pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44); Christ welcomes the little children (Matthew 19:14); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a children’s lesson on intercessory prayer, facing fear & other difficulties with faith and prayer, or Contemporary Christian Heroes.

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