Synopses & Reviews
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 strives for more and a family who rewards her hard work and courage.
Go to the Ruby's Wish teacher's guide
Awards and honors for Ruby's Wish:
2005 Monarch Award: Illinois K-3 Children's Choice Award Master List
2004-2005 California Young Reader Medal Nomination, Picture Books for Older Readers (California Library Association)
2004 Arizona Young Reader Picture Book Nomination (Arizona Library Association)
Nebraska Gold Sower Award Nomination
2004 Nevada Young Readers' Award Nomination (Nevada Library Association)
2004-2005 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Book Nomination
2003 Amelia Bloomer Project/ALA Recommended Feminist Books for Youth
South Carolina Book Awards Nomination
Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nomination
2003 Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award
2003 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award
2002 BABRA (Bay Area Book Reviewers Association) Award Nomination, Children's Literature
Publishers Weekly, Best Children's Books
2002 Publishers Weekly's 13th annual Off the Cuff Awards, Most Eye-Catching Jacket
Northern California Book Award Nomination
Children's Book Sense 76 Pick
Best Books of 2003, Arne Nixon Center for Children's Literature
Bookbuilders West Certificate of Excellence
Review
"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
About the Author
Shirin Yim Bridges comes from a family of writers and artists. She has lived in many countries around the world and now lives in Northern California. This is her first book for children.
Sophie Blackall has illustrated two books, A Giraffe for France by Leith Hillard and 20 Party Tricks published by Chronicle Books. She lives in New York with her husband and two small children. Just like Ruby, her favorite color is red.