Ruby's Wish

By: Shirin Yim Bridges

Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall

             In this multicultural picture book the author is portraying what is commonly acceptable, the norms, and aspects about Chinese culture. Ruby, is one of the grandfathers many grandchildren, and is not like most of the other girls. Typically, girls in China do not pursue furthering their education and just get married and have children instead. Where the boys continued on and went to a University.  However, Ruby had other plans for her future – she wanted to go to a university.

            Throughout this book we see Ruby striving in schooling and confronting gender biases and issues on a normal basis. However, at the end we learn that this literature was based off of a true story. Ruby was one of their first female students at this university. 

Classroom Application: Since this book addressed aspects about the Chinese Culture - I think students and teachers should explore into this culture and its past. Also, teachers should talk about gender bias and explain about the norm for society for women in China was to get married and to have children - not go to a University. That is why, seeing a women accomplish this goal in a time where nobody had is very inspiring for children to see.