Through My Eyes

Bridges wrote this book for a middle-grade audience. How do you think the narrative would differ if her autobiography was written for adults?

Bridges often mentions ongoing court battles and legislative efforts to halt integration. What major court cases and laws established and challenged segregation? Provide specific examples, although you may also discuss general patterns in state legislation across the South or in Washington, like the quick-succession bills Bridges mentions on Page 13 or what are known as “Jim Crow” laws.

At the end of the book, Bridges explains that her brother’s death influenced her to start her foundation, which seeks to improve inner-city public schools. Bridges draws a connection between her brother’s drug-related shooting and the lack of resources at his public elementary school. Elaborate on this connection. What are the social conditions that left the family vulnerable to drug-related violence and subpar schooling?

The book contains many historical photographs and excerpts from historical sources. What objective(s) do you think they are intended to achieve? Do they add anything to the story? Were there any photographs or excerpts that were particularly informative? Explain in detail which photographs had the greatest impact to your reading experience.

At several points in the book, Bridges mentions the NAACP. What was the NAACP? What was Bridges’s relationship to it? What were the organizations goals and tactics during the 1960s?

Though angry segregationists taunted and threated Bridges, she also members receiving help and support in a variety of ways. Who offered help to the Bridges family? What were their motivations? In what forms did support come?

After reading Through My Eyes, how would you describe Ruby Bridges? Pick three or four traits that you think best explain her personality. What details from the book have given you your impressions? Did any figures in the book, like Mrs. Henry or members of the Bridges family, indicate these characteristics in their reflections or treatment of Ruby?

Why do you think it took until adulthood for Ruby Bridges to feel like she participated in something meaningful and important? Why did Bridges say she “was tempted to feel bitter about the school integration experience” (60)? How did she ultimately come to value and honor her childhood experience?