Ruby's Wish
Ruby's Wish
Book Title: Ruby’s Wish
Book Author: Shirin Yim Bridges
Book Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
This book addresses: 1800’s China, new opportunities
Potentially Tricky Vocabulary:
Terrapins: turtles that live in freshwater and on land
Calligraphy: fancy, artistic writing
Alas: unfortunately
Cockerels: a young male chicken
Questions to ask the student before reading:
What is one of your goals?
Why do you think it is important that boys and girls get the same chances and opportunities?
Historical context to give before reading:
For a long time, it was common in lots of places that girls couldn’t go to school or, if they could, they wouldn’t stay in school for as long as boys would. Girls would often be sent off to get married and start a family. We now understand that everyone should be educated, and that everyone deserves the chance to get as much education as they want to.
(The questions to ask the student and historical content above are interconnected. The historical context is typically going to be a supplement to what your student might not know. Some students may already be knowledgeable about a subject, others may not know much yet. Pay attention to what your student already knows and share the historical context accordingly.)
While reading:
If your student at any point has questions about the different pieces of Chinese culture that are in this book, don’t be afraid to talk about them! You don’t have to have an explanation for everything that’s different. If you’re not sure it’s ok to say “You know, I’m not sure, but that’s a good question! Lots of people live differently all around the world and this is just another way people used to live.”
After reading:
How do you think Ruby felt when she got her letter from the university?
Do you think it mattered that Ruby was hardworking and kept up with her studies? Why?
Follow up activity (time permitting):
Have your student pick a scene in the book and illustrate it! Make sure the new illustration is different from the illustration in the book. Talk about setting, people, clothes, and what might be around them. Have them write a short caption describing the scene.
All definitions were adapted by Karina Connolly from the Merriam Webster online dictionary.