1. This Is Your Time

This Is Your Time. Ruby Bridges. 2020. [November] 64 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Sixty years ago, in 1960, my life changed forever.

Premise/plot: This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridges is a short inspirational book written for children. On the right side of each spread there is a photograph. On the left side accompanying text. Together they tell the story of the past and spread a message of hope for the future. 

Ruby Bridges, for those who don't know, was the first black child to go to an all-white school in New Orleans. She was six. It wasn't easy being the first. But first steps are never easy. 

My thoughts: I've known the Ruby Bridges story for twenty-five plus years. I didn't want to give too much away in my summary because it is so refreshing and powerful to hear it in her own words. Her story, her words, accompanied by photographs. It's something special. You don't have to be well read in the Civil Rights movement to appreciate this one. It would be a great introduction for younger readers. It may lead to some honest, natural questions--never a bad thing. 

I would recommend this one for all ages. 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers