Through my Eyes is a partial autobiography that focuses on that part of Ruby Bridge�s life that had historic repercussions. Ruby�s own memories are the primary reference source for the book. These are backed up by news stories and other reports that confirm the veracity of the content. These include excerpts from newspapers and periodicals, including the New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, and Good Housekeeping Magazine. The Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck was himself a witness to the event, which he recounted in his novel, Travels With Charley, also cited as a source. In the back of the book, the author includes photo and text credits for source materials.
Bridges employs a straight-forward narrative style, relating events as they were viewed through her six-year-old eyes. �With heartbreaking understatement, she gives voice to her six-year-old self.� (Publisher�s Weekly, October 18, 1999) The simplicity and innocence of her childish perceptions, contrasting with the cruelty of her adult tormentors, lend a poignant honesty to the story. �There were people shouting and policemen everywhere. I thought maybe it was Mardi Gras, the carnival that takes place in New Orleans every year.� (p. 16)
The format of the book lends itself to sharing with children of different ages, and in different ways. For older children, the book is a gripping cover-to-cover story. The book has descriptive chapter titles, which make it suitable for breaking up into a series of readings. The book is dramatically illustrated with sepia-toned, captioned photographs. Sharing these with children would serve as an invitation for them to read the book on their own. The sidebars in the book invite exploration and discussion, and also serve to give provide commentary and historic perspective, although some critics feel that this format distracts from the clarity of Ruby�s own narrative. �Although the format is distracting, and the photographs are an uneven mix of stock photos with more germane news shots and candids, Ruby's strong voice commands attention.� (Horn Book Magazine, January 1, 2000) Other critics feel that this motif effectively sets Ruby�s perceptions apart from that of adult witnesses to the same event. �Sidebars containing statements from Henry and Bridges's mother, or excerpts from newspaper accounts and John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley, provide information and perspectives unavailable to Bridges as a child.� (Publisher�s Weekly, October 18, 1999)
This book could be used in conjunction with other materials, such as The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and the Disney movie �Ruby Bridges.� It is also appropriate for teens, and could serve as an introduction to a study of the Civil Rights movement, and a bridge to more challenging books on the topic. This book gives readers a different perspective on a shameful time in our country�s history, as seen through the innocent eyes of a six-year-old. George Santayana said that "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Through My Eyes affords readers a unique opportunity to learn one of history�s painful lessons, drawn from the memories of a child.
Source
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 29 March 05.
Awards for Through My Eyes
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
ALA Notable Books for Children
Jane Addams Children�s Book Award
Carter G. Woodson Book Award
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
ABC Children�s Booksellers Choices Award
Related Websites
Ruby Bridges Website
A Conversation with Ruby Bridges
PBS African American World: Ruby Bridges
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY