This movie is based on the true story of Ruby Bridges and her experience at 6 years old as the first black girl to attend an all white school in New Orleans that was resistant to carry out the desegregation of school law that had been issued. It is an emotional and intense movie and has some disturbing scenes of yelling and name calling that may make this very difficult for young children to watch. However, this is also a powerful movie to begin or continue conversations with kids about the history of racism in the United States and the ongoing experiences of racism that continue today. There is also a strong Christian message and faith in Jesus depicted in the story.

Which of the characters did you like best? Why?

Which of the characters did you like least? Why?

What feelings did you experience in this movie?

Do you think Ruby’s parents made the right decision to send her to an all-white school, especially given the insults, name calling and yelling she experienced every day? Why or why not?

What do you think gave Ruby courage each day to walk through the crowds?

In one scene, Ruby runs back down to the crowds and seems to say something to the crowds but we later learn that she was actually praying for them. Her daily prayer is “Please God, forgive these people because even if they say those mean things they don’t know what they’re doing. So you can forgive them just like you did those folks along time ago when they said terrible things about you.” I wonder what you think about that? What do you learn about Ruby’s faith?

I wonder what questions you have after watching this movie?

Other themes to discuss: peaceful resistance, courage, friendship, family, faith.