Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts

November 1, 2023
Civil rights legend Bridges encourages young people to persevere. After becoming the face of school integration at just 6 years old, Bridges continued to further her legacy by visiting schools across the U.S. Over the past 25 years, she has received letters from thousands of students with "ideas and concerns that ran deeper than we grown-ups gave them credit for." In her latest book for kids, Bridges responds to notes from children grappling with political and social crises, including anti-Asian racism, climate change, and gun violence. The issues that matter to young Americans come alive in Cabuay's energetic illustrations, which make deft use of color and texture. On one spread, a short, brown-skinned child named Tala, bullied for being short, strides confidently down a school hallway past classmates who whisper and laugh. In the accompanying letter, Tala talks about drawing strength from Bridges' bravery; Bridges' reply emphasizes that "it's okay to be different because what really matters is your heart and what's inside!" The correspondences are brief, barely skimming the surface, and Bridges' messages are too general to have a genuine impact. Backmatter, which includes a glossary with pronunciation guides, is helpful but does little to connect Bridges' historic contributions to the issues young people are facing today. This picture book's superficial discussion of important topics doesn't live up to Bridges' advocacy or Cabuay's dynamic art. Anemic messages of hope from an iconic activist. (more information on Bridges) (Picture book. 6-9)

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December 11, 2023
Addressing climate change, discrimination, and gun violence, among other issues, children’s letters to Ruby Bridges form the basis of this affirming work. On each page, a young writer shares concerns and moments of bravery, and Bridges answers with encouragement and validation. Many of the letter-writers draw strength from the figure’s example: “when I think about your bravery, I think I can be brave too.” Spreads center each letter with declarative titles in red banners (“Stop Asian hate!”), while Cabuay’s textural illustrations, which depict characters of various skin tones, capture each writer in a moment of resolute conviction. Inventively utilizing kids’ voices to discuss their own experiences, this collection supports budding activist readers with relatable scenarios. A glossary concludes. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 5–10.

December 22, 2023
Grades 1-3 In a set of short fan letters to the lifelong civil rights activist, nine anonymous children explain how her example as a Black child integrating a previously all-white school has given them the courage to face challenges ranging from struggling with dyslexia to being fat shamed, from encountering "Asian Hate" to tackling environmental issues and gun violence. In his slashing, splashy, vividly colored accompanying scenes, Cabuay depicts children of diverse hue defiantly gathering to march, express themselves, or act on their concerns; Bridges pairs an encouraging response to each letter, urging her young correspondents (and readers) to "Stay strong," "Keep the faith," and "Press on." Though, in keeping with the apparent purpose of this collection, the space devoted to a perfunctory glossary at the end would have been better employed by lists of other inspirational or informational resources, the array of issues and overall tone of positivity makes it a quick but effective pep talk.

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