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Ruby's Wish


Ruby is unlike most girls in her town in Old China. She wants to attend university like the boys. This story is a great example of striving for more and ultimately getting rewarded for hard work. This text is a great example of historical fiction as Events, attitudes, and social issues are portrayed honestly, with historical evidence, and appropriate to the culture and time period (Galda, 2017). "This was unusual in China in those days, as many girls didn't learn to read and write" (Bridges, 2015). The illustrations enhance an understanding of the plot, setting, characterizations, and theme through the use of realistic details and culturally appropriate color schemes.

Teachers can use this text to: 

  • explore themes such as self-esteem, gender equality, family relationships
  • teach about perseverance and goal setting
  • Culturally Response Teaching

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Author: Shirin Yim Bridges

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Year Published: 2015

Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 8-12, Grades 3-7

Genre: Historical Fiction, Culturally Diverse

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