THROUGH MY EYES is the story of young Ruby, a black first-grader in Louisiana
in 1960. Ruby was one of the four children chosen to attend an all white elementary school in Lousiana to "integrate"
them. The difference in this book is that the story is told by Ruby Bridges herself, almost forty years later.
In an ordinary book about this topic, readers could guess how the children
felt. In THROUGH MY EYES, readers can know how one of those children actually felt and how it impacted her life.
There is little question of accuracy when a nation was watching and the author was there to experience it. The facts
are backed up by interviews and quotes throughout the book.
The book begins with a quick overview of civil rights, or lack thereof,
at that time in history. Small section are partitioned with a brown bar at the top of the page with names like, "My
Mother Breaks the News", "My First White Teacher", "Some Show Courage", and "Riots in New Orleans." Each section is
short, usually 1-3 pages. There are many pictures that drive home the insanity that was going on around Ruby.
One woman cocks back her arm to throw an egg, a smiling group holds up a cross and a black baby doll in a coffin. The
scenes would be almost unbelievable if not for these photos. Small quotes appear in italics on the pages concerning
Ruby, civil rights, and the state of the nation.
The subject matter is frightening in its reality, but Ruby made it through.
Her voice takes readers on a powerful journey that no child should ever have to experience first-hand again.
