Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts
Written by Ruby Bridges
Illustrated by John Jay Cabuay
Orchard Books
Ages 6-9
Published January 2nd, 2024
Thrust into the center of the 1960s school integration as a young girl, Ruby Bridges recognizes the power that young people have. Bridges’ newest picture book aims to harness that power. Inspired by thousands of letters she has received from students over the past 25 years, Bridges writes back with words of encouragement. In a chalkboard-like font, each page begins with a letter from a student about how Bridges has inspired them to address injustices in their own lives, like gender inequality and body shaming. Ben thanks Bridges for giving him courage to speak about the need for gun control. Another student, Madison, feels inspired to pursue her passion for fighting climate change thanks to people like Bridges.
Bridges’ responses, while brief, encourage bravery and empower the students to continue fighting against injustice. With personalized sign-off phrases like, “I am proud of you” (p 9) and “Feed the people!” (p 17), she strengthens these young advocates even further. The letters are accompanied by Cabuay’s vibrant illustrations of a diverse cast of confident characters that personify the letter’s theme. Cabuay uses bold, bright colors full of energy, and the combination of ink and wax pencil gives a dynamic texture that evokes courage. Backmatter includes a glossary of terms from the book, such as “anxious” and “gun control” with accessible definitions for younger readers. This humbling, heartfelt book of letters serves as a mirror, held by the revered Ruby Bridges, for young students to see that their generation is just as powerful as the people who came before them.
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