Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts: Hear Our Hearts

Ages 5 to 10, Grades K to 4

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 BridgesRuby 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,OliviaMy 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 BridgesThe students' letters and Ruby's responses are powerfully illustrated with dynamic and thought-provoking artwork by John Jay Cabuay.

About the Author

RUBY BRIDGES became a pioneer in school integration at the age of six, when she was chosen to spend her first-grade year in what had formerly been an all-white elementary school. Ruby Bridges now works as a lecturer, telling her story to adults and children alike. She lives with her husband and sons in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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.