Ruby Lee and Me
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Average rating4
Everything's changing for Sarah Beth Willis. After Robin's tragic accident, everyone seems different somehow. Days on the farm aren't the same, and the simple fun of riding a bike or playing outside can be scary. And there's talk in town about the new sixth-grade teacher at Shady Creek. Word is spreading quickly--Mrs. Smyre is like no other teacher anyone has ever seen around these parts. She's the first African American teacher. It's 1969, and while black folks and white folks are cordial, having a black teacher at an all-white school is a strange new happening. For Sarah Beth, there are so many unanswered questions. What is all this talk about Freedom Riders and school integration? Why can't she and Ruby become best friends? And who says school isn't for anybody who wants to learn--or teach? In a world filled with uncertainty, one very special teacher shows her young students and the adults in their lives that change invites unexpected possibilities.
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A story that revolves around themes of friendship, racism, and coming of age within the backdrop of the segregated American South of the 1960s.
"Ruby Lee and Me" deals with significant historical issues, such as segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, and provides a valuable educational perspective for younger readers. While it attempts to depict the difficult realities of racism, it can be argued that the book could perpetuate stereotypes or oversimplify complex issues, especially since the story is told from the perspective of someone who isn't African American. This could limit the viewpoint and understanding of the African American experience during the 1960s. Although tailored for middle-grade readers, some scenes may be intense or upsetting due to the historical context and theme of racism, requiring guidance from parents or educators.
The female protagonist's journey as she confronts her own biases and grows through her relationship with Ruby Lee can offer insights into personal growth and empathy. The central friendship between the two girls shows the possibility of overcoming societal barriers and can encourage readers to look beyond superficial differences. The story portrays the dynamics and complexities of family relationships, which can be relatable for readers facing their own family issues. The book doesn't shy away from tackling tough emotions and can be a great tool for helping young readers to process feelings about injustice or reconciliation.
