Ruby Goes to School

A True Story

This is Ruby Bridges.

Ruby was six.

It was the year 1960.

Ruby lived in New Orleans.

Ruby was a girl who liked school.

Most schools then had one rule.

Black kids went to one school.

White kids went to a new one.

That rule was not fair.

A judge said, "Stop the rule."

Ruby could go to the new school.

It was a big day for Ruby.

Men with badges rode with her.

They walked her to the door.

Some grown-ups yelled.

Ruby did not stop.

She walked in with her head up.

Her teacher was Mrs. Henry.

Mrs. Henry was kind.

Ruby sat in class with her.

Ruby did her sums and her words.

Day by day, she went back.

Ruby was brave.

Her brave steps helped all kids.