Ruby's Wish

by Shirin Yim Bridges, Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

Overview

Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. Based upon the inspirational story of the author's grandmother and accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, Ruby's Wish is an engaging portrait of a young girl who's full of ambition and the family who rewards her hard work and courage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452133478
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	02/26/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	23
Lexile:	860L (what's this?)
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Shirin Yim Bridges is the acclaimed author of several children's books as well as the publisher of Goosebottom Books. After living in many countries around the world, she now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area
Sophie Blackall has illustrated twenty picture books as well as the bestselling Ivy + Bean series, and has written a few, too. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Editorial Reviews

In her debut effort, Bridges tells the story of her grandmother’s unique place in Chinese history. Even in a wealthy household, being a young girl in China meant that education was something of a dream, but luckily Ruby’s grandfather had a special place in his heart for his hard-working and talented granddaughter. Making his fortune in the California Gold Rush, one man returned to China to start a household full of wives and children and soon grandchildren. Even when the people in the household numbered over 100, it was easy to spot little Ruby in the group. Red was her favorite color and even when she was instructed to wear more traditionally colored clothing, Ruby insisted in twisting red ribbons into her dark hair. An enlightened man, the grandfather offered education to both boys and girls of the household and Ruby thrived. However, a poem that she wrote convinced her grandfather that perhaps he was not being completely equitable with his progeny. On what she believed to be her last New Year’s Day as an unmarried woman, her grandfather presented her with a letter saying that she had received admission as one of the first women at a university. Softly colored, Asian-inspired gouache illustrations accompany this tale of one little girl’s dream to become more than was traditionally possible. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

"Bridges...handles the conflict between Chinese tradition and young Ruby's longing to attend university with grace and compassion....This understated tale takes Ruby's predicament seriously while still celebrating her love of learning and her joyful personality." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"As 'red is the color of celebration' in China, Ruby should bring joy to many young readers. A lovely read-aloud with illustrations to linger over." School Library Journal

"Ruby's determined character will capture the audience's imagination." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"...[A] tale of one little girls's dream to become more than was traditionally possible." Kirkus Reviews

"Told in a concise, straightforward style, the narrative provides just enough background for young children." Booklist

"Bridges' lively storytelling turns what could have been just another family story about a feminist in to a gem." San Francisco Chronicle

From the Publisher