Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim

by Shirin Yim Bridges

2002 Ruby's Wish (P) by Shirin Yim Bridges / Illustrated by Sophie Blackall *** 9780439699907 *** 27

Genres: Picture Books, China, Cultural, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Family, Asia

Hardcover

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Shirin Yim Bridges comes from a family of writers and artists. Her first book, Ruby's Wish, was named one of the Best Children's Books of 2002 by Publishers Weekly, and won the Ezra Jack Keats awards for Best Writer and Best Illustrator in 2003. It is on several state reading lists, has been translated into six languages, and is now in its ninth edition.

Shirin's second book, The Umbrella Queen, made TIME/CNN's Top 10 Lists 2008: Best Children's Books, and was also named one of the Best Children's Books of 2008 by the Bank Street College of Education. The Umbrella Queen has been translated into Chinese and Japanese.

Her third book, Mary Wrightly So Politely, will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

In addition to being head goose at Goosebottom Books, Shirin wrote all six books in Goosebottom's first series, The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses. (She's not doing that again! From now on, many geese will be helping her!)

Shirin has lived in many countries around the world, as is reflected in her writing—Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and England. She was educated in the United States and now nests in California.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging historical story (a true account, it seems, and based on the childhood of Shirin Yim Bridges' own grandmother) tells the story of Ruby, a young Chinese girl growing up in a large household, where the enlightened patriarch (Ruby's grandfather) allows both girls and boys to be educated. Ruby however, desires more; she also wants the opportunity to attend university like her brothers and male cousins. Will her grandfather grant Ruby her wish? Will Ruby be permitted to attend university?

Ruby's Wish is both inspiring and thought-provoking and the story emphasises both the blessings Ruby enjoys (her education, the fact that her grandfather allows both his grandsons and his granddaughters to be educated) as well as some of the many challenges she faces. Her grandfather is also not only admirable and enlightened, he actually listens to Ruby, listens to her words and takes her ideas, wishes and desires seriously. And Ruby, although at first a bit shy at being summoned to her grandfather's office and somewhat chagrined that her poem about boys being considered more worthy than girls might have upset him, does have the courage to explain to her grandfather why she thinks boys are better looked after and that her greatest wish is not to get married, but to be able to attend university. When at the Chinese New Years' celebration, Ruby receives a letter of acceptance to attend university from her grandfather, I was so happy for Ruby that I had tears of joy in my eyes.

Now it must still be remembered though that Ruby is ONLY able to attend university because her grandfather, the family patriarch, is in agreement with this. If he had said "no" and/or if it had been up to Ruby's mother and the other women of the family, Ruby would not have been allowed to further her education. And I do find it rather interesting that in oh so many historical children's and young adult stories (and in both novels and picture books) about girls' education, it is sadly and unfortunately often the mothers and grandmothers who are the most vehemently opposed to this, while the fathers and grandfathers (although they do generally and usually have the last word) are often not nearly as negative and suspicious with regard to girls' education. And while I realise that this is probably a rather facile and non-nuanced assertion (as well as being somewhat of a generalisation), it nevertheless is something that I have repeatedly noticed with/in both classical girls school and college novels and historical children's literature about girls' education (and in multiple world languages at that), and is thus an attitude, a scenario, that I believe begs and requires further academic study and analysis.

And finally, regarding Sophie Blackall's illustrations, although on their own, they would likely not be entirely to my personal aesthetic tastes, I do think that they generally function as a brilliant and wonderful complement to Shirin Yim Bridges narrative, providing an authentic appearing visual account of what late 19th, early 20th century China must have been like and appeared. Furthermore, the generally muted colours, contrasted with Ruby's penchant for bright red also makes her stand out, makes her into a truly special character (not only within the text, the narrative itself, but also within the scope of the pictorial images presented).

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little gem of a daughter named Ruby joined our family this past June, and it just so happens she looks quite a bit like the Ruby in this book. I wasn't familiar with Ruby's Wish, but a thoughtful friend brought it over as a gift.

Ruby's Wish has nothing to do with adoption, but is instead the story of a hard-working, motivated little girl who wishes to be the first in her community to attend college. It is a story of perseverance, and it sheds light on the complete absence of educational opportunities for most girls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This would be a great gift for any girl, ages 5-8, and a beautiful multicultural book to have on hand in the early elementary classroom.

The illustrations are exceptional and, if you're an adult, you'll cry a tear or two when you meet the real Ruby at the end.

[Daina Chakma · Rating 5 out of 5]

এই গল্পটা এতো মি-ই-ষ্টি!!

চীনের এক সম্ভ্রান্ত পরিবারের গল্প এটি যে পরিবারের ট্র‍্যাডিশন অনুযায়ী ছেলেরা সব ধরণের সুযোগ সুবিধা পায়। যে কোনো ফেস্টিভ্যালে উজ্জ্বল খেলনা থেকে শুরু করে হায়ার স্টাডিজের সুবিধা সব বাড়ির ছেলেদের জন্য বরাদ্দ ছিল। বাড়ির মেয়েদেরও সমান অধিকার থাকা উচিত এমনটা কেউ ভাবতে পারতো না। গন্ডির বাইরে গিয়ে এই ভাবনাটা প্রথম ভেবেছিলো রুবি নামের ছোট্ট একটা মেয়ে যে লাল রঙ খুবই পছন্দ করতো! বাড়ির অন্য সব মেয়েদের মতো সে বড় হয়ে বিয়ে করার স্বপ্ন দেখতো না। সে চেয়েছিল বড় হয়ে ইউনিভার্সিটিতে পড়বে!

হাউজ টিউটর কবিতা লিখতে দিলে রুবি লিখেছিল-

"Alas, bad luck to be born a girl; worse luck to be born into this house where only boys are cared for."

রুবির ইউনিভার্সিটিতে পড়ার স্বপ্ন কিন্তু একদিন সত্যি হয়েছিলো! কিভাবে জানি জানো?? কারণ রুবি হচ্ছে লেখক Shirin Yim Bridges গ্র‍্যান্ডমা! ভাগ্যিস রুবি ট্র‍্যাডিশন ভেঙে পড়ার সুযোগ পেয়েছিল। তা না হলে আমরা তার নাতনির লেখা এমন চমৎকার একটি বই পেতাম না।

ছোট্ট মেয়েদের উৎসাহিত করার জন্য "মাস্ট টু রিড" বইয়ের একটা লিস্ট বানাবো। সেই লিস্টে এই বইটা অবশ্যই থাকবে!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the author’s grandmother, a little girl growing up in China in a wealthy and forward thinking family. She wants to go to University (at a time when it was rare for women to attend) more than she wants to get married. I really love Ruby’s grandfather; he’s a special man in so many ways. I love how Ruby always wears some red, and I love Ruby’s personality and aspirations and determination. This one made me cry near the end, when Ruby gets her thick New Year’s envelope. I loved this story.

The illustrations aren’t in a style I love but they fit the book perfectly and they’re fun to view.

I like the subtle humor in this book and the strong family love shown.

I also appreciate the fact that Ruby obviously did marry and have children; she is the author’s grandmother. In the back of the book, there’s an included black & white photo of Ruby as a woman.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about a girl in 1900s China, living in a big traditional house headed by her grandfather and filled with his many wives, children and grandchildren. But there is something special here... unlike most houses, the girls are allowed to study with the boys. Of course, they must keep up with all their other training, too, like housekeeping and embroidery after their academic lessons while the boys get to run off and play. But, Ruby loves learning so much she keeps at it even when all the other girls drop out. Her grandfather is proud of her accomplishments. But, she still hates the injustice and inequality going on and one day she goes to her grandfather to talk about it. And, what she wants most of all is to go to university rather than be married off. Will her grandfather make that happen?

This is a great story made even more inspiring by the fact that it is true--it's about the author's grandmother. It's also a nice tie-in to Chinese New Year celebrations as that is part of the story.

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many children’s books that take place in China, but I had read a children’s book that is as inspirational and heartwarming as “Ruby’s Wish!” “Ruby’s Wish” is an Ezra Jack Keats award winning children’s book by Shirin Yim Bridges along with illustrations by Sophie Blackall that is a heartwarming experience that the whole family would relive over and over again!

In ancient China, there lived an old man who had an enormous family of over one hundred children and out of all of the children, there was a little girl named Ruby who was the most unique out of all the children, as she is always shown wearing a red outfit for any occasion due to the fact that red is her favorite color. Back during those times, even though all of Ruby’s grandfather’s children were able to attend school, only the boys were allowed to learn how to read and write, while the girls were only allowed to learn how to cook and keep house for their future husbands. Ruby, however, has managed to obtain a special talent in learning calligraphy and she desperately wishes to go to a university instead of getting married.

Will Ruby be able to attend the university just like she always wanted?

Read this book to find out!

Wow! This book was simply amazing and brilliant! I never would have thought that I would read a children’s book that really stresses the importance of education while also teaching children about the importance of equality in the school system. Shirin Yim Bridges did a brilliant job at writing this book as Ruby is shown as being a gentle yet independent girl whose only desire is to attend a university just like her male cousins, despite the fact that she was not allowed to attend university due to her gender. I loved how Shirin Yim Bridges was able to tackle such a tough subject such as how women were not allowed to attend schools while men were and gave us a protagonist who was determined to break the norms of society to get want she truly desires and that made me really root for Ruby throughout the entire story since I believe that education is extremely important to anyone and everyone should have the opportunity to obtain a good education for themselves. Sophie Blackall’s artwork is truly amazing to look at as we get to see how ancient China looked like and I really loved the exotic clothing worn by each character, especially by Ruby who is constantly seen in a different variety of red clothing.

Overall, “Ruby’s Wish” is a truly beautiful and inspiring book that teaches children to stand up for what they believe in and expresses the importance of a good education for everyone. I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.

I like to thank my Goodreads friend Gundula for recommending me this book!

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based upon the childhood experiences of her own grandmother, Shirin Yim Bridges tells the delightful story of Ruby, a little girl living in "Old China," whose love of the color red, and intense desire for learning set her apart from her sisters and girl cousins. Fortunate enough to belong to a wealthy family whose patriarch who allows both the boys and girls in his family to be educated, Ruby still wishes for more. She wishes to attend university like the boys in her family. But will her grandfather's unusual tolerance for female education extend that far...?

I loved Ruby's Wish, which is my first title from Shirin Yim Bridges, but hopefully not my last! The story is engaging, emphasizing both the blessings that Ruby enjoys and the challenges that she faces. Her grandfather, who learns of her secret desire through a poem she writes, is such an admirable figure - one obviously worthy of the love and remembrance he is accorded through this fictionalized story - and Ruby herself is a charming young character. The illustrations, done by Sophie Blackall in gouache, are likewise charming, and a perfect (and perfectly vivid!) accompaniment to the text. All in all, a delightful family story, one that reminded me of the work of Patricia Polacco, who also mines her family history for story ideas!

[Patricia Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story, based on true events, that tells of a girl who wishes to to a university instead of getting married in the Chinese culture. All throughout her childhood, she stands out from the rest in her class and is seen to be very intelligent and have a passion for learning. While all of the other girls are learning what they usually learned back then, like cooking and taking care of the house, she continued to go to school. When she grew up, she knew she wanted to go to college and do something different. Everyone finds this out, including her grandfather, and tries to make her dreams come true.

I really loved this book because it is based on a true story, and illustrates the time when women started to want to go to college and do other things that men do besides get married, have babies, and stay home. This would be a great book to read to children when talking about this aspect of history. The storyline was great, and the ending was touching and made you want to smile. Great book.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet (true!) story that a young girl tells about the life of her grandmother. It's a peek into the culture of one Chinese family with an inspiring ending. This would be a great story to use at the beginning of a unit on biography or primary source research. Students would have a good example for interviewing a family member or friend and writing the story to publish for the class to be kept in "archives." It shows children that writing a book is telling a story you may already know.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot read this book without tearing up. That made storytime a little challenging! Ruby's Wish is based on the story of the author's grandmother, one of the first women to attend college in China. It's such a quiet book and conveys such love, even though there's a family conflict at the core of the plot. Ruby is a distinctive character and her story is a positive tale about progress in gender equality. Love it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, touching story about a brave little girl who wanted to go to university when her culture and times were against her. The best part? It is the true story of the author's grandmother (and in a very real sense also of her great-grandfather).

[Musharrat Zahin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but delightful story based on the author's grandmother.

Typically within this Chinese time period, girls were not always treated equally as boys. Tradition in China is for little girls to grow up, marry and take care of the household. But Ruby’s grandfather allows both boys and girls to be educated. Ruby wishes to learn and is fortunate to have a grandfather who lets her continue with the house tutor long when the other girls are preparing to marry. Ruby has to work incredibly hard to prove herself smarter than the boys her age. When she gets near the age of marriage, she writes a poem about her dream of going to college and eventually became one of the first female students accepted at the college she attended.

This book is a great example of feminine power. It raises awareness that hard work and dedication pays off in the end. Truly beautiful, inspiring, and empowering, this book is a must-read for all ages.

[N_Allie l · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins in the palace of one old very rich man. This old Gold Rush miner married many wives and had many children. Eventually those children had children and so on and so forth. The whole family lived together "in a certain city in China...once upon a time". Although there were many children living in this palace, one character sticks out to us immediately; Ruby. We learn that Ruby got her name because she loves to wear the color red (red in China signifies celebration).

Ruby becomes unique to the reader at once because she is the only girl to take classes at her grandfather's palace. In those days, girls did not take classes because their sole job was to take care of the home and have children. Ruby soon excels in her studies but learns she cannot go to university because she is a girl.

Ruby continues to study, wishing she was able to attend college. Eventually it is Chinese New Year in the palace and celebrations begin. While Ruby is wishing her family a happy new year, she gets to her grandfather and something happens. He gives Ruby a letter from a university stating that she is accepted and can go to college. Ruby is among the first female students to go university. This wonderful tale is a non-fiction story in which the narrator is, in fact, Ruby's granddaughter.

Ruby's Wish is an engaging, enchanting story for children and teens. The book engages the reader from the beginning and continues the bond throughout. With charming illustrations and quality text, the reader can imagine themselves in the palace form beginning to end. Suggested grades 3rd through 12th.

[(NS)Jennifer Reiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby is different then other girls in China. She isn't focused on getting married when she grows up, she wants to attend a university like the boys in her family. Ruby's grandfather hires a teacher to teach all the children in the family. Ruby writes a poem one day saying that it is very hard to be a girl in the family because of the expectations. The grandfather and teacher are amazed and proud of Ruby's work, and she continues to succeed in school. After everyone has gone to sleep, Ruby continues to work on her "womanly" chores-sewing, cooking and cleaning. Ruby still maintains her academic success and even is able to go off to a university-a rare occurance during this time period. Ruby strives for more and her family supports and rewards her hard work and courage. This story is based upon the author's grandmother.

Goosebumps covered my arms as I read the last page of the story. Inside Ruby's red envelope on Chinese New Year was an acceptance letter from a university saying that Ruby would be one of the first woman ever to attend the school. The reason the author knows this to be true is because Ruby is her grandmother. I really enjoy the message that is sent to readers in this story. I like that it shows that if you work hard you will be rewarded for what you do. It is an important quality for all people to learn. Ruby never gave up and achieved her dream after all!

[Nancy O'Toole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby's Wish tells the story of a young girl growing up in China who is given the unique experience of being allowed to go to school as a child, despite the fact that she is female. Ruby's biggest wish is to attend a university like her brothers. Ruby's Wish is a lovely story written by Shirin Yium Bridges. She does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in China. The story behind Ruby's Wish is a true one, and the author at the end reveals that Ruby is actually her grandmother. This gives the book a nice personal touch. The version I experienced was translated to DVD format, with the author narrating. Shirin has a calming voice, making her an appropriate narrator. Sophie Blackwell's illustrations are left intact, but the camera chooses to focuses on specific parts to emphasize certain character moments. This does a good job of giving the otherwise stagnant images movement. The DVD also includes a useful study guide for the classroom, with activities to complete before and after viewing the DVD, as well as vocabulary words. This makes Ruby's Wish a useful classroom too, but a pricey one at almost $50 for a ten minute DVD.

[Brittany Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby's Wish is a work of fiction, though it is based on a true story. This book is about a young Chinese girl who aspires to go to university and study rather than get married. Fortunately for Ruby, her enlightened father allows her to study, provided that she can keep up with her regular chores. Ruby works hard to impress her father, and he eventually allows her to attend university.

Ruby's Wish is a lovely story that discusses women's roles in family life and society in general, particularly in Chinese culture. The author, Shirin Yim Bridges, is a Chinese-American woman, and is able to inject her culture into Ruby's Wish beautifully, through the deep characters and their use of language. There are no negative stereotypes represented. The plot is rich and will hold a child's interest, though this book is most suitable for a 2nd or 3rd grade audience.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this true story of Ruby! She is a young girl in China that is faced with the challenges of being the only girl in an all male family lead by her grandfather. Unlike the Chinese expectations of Chinese women, Ruby wishes to have the same rights as all the males in her family, including going to an university. This story gives a good representation of what life was like in China and mentions many traditions. In the end of the story, Ruby gets her wish of going to a university. We find out the the story of Ruby is the story of the author's grandmother. I got teary eyed as I read the very end! :)

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hush of dependable peaches and greens gently gives way to a crescendo of red in this thoughtfully unfolding, true story of a young girl with a dream -- and the patient, respectful cracking of cultural constraints that made her dream come true.

Listen to our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably shouldn't count this towards my yearly goal, since it is basically a short children's story, but it fills a place on my summer book bingo board on the #weneeddiversebooks square. It's cute, I think my daughter will enjoy it, and I liked the message. The illustrations were particularly beautiful.

[A.V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5: Nice. Abrupt ending; I wish we knew more about the real person's life afterward.

The red outlines around everyone were a nice touch.

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of a little girl in China who was allowed to read, write, and learn in a time when girls did not usually attend school. Thanks to her kind grandfather, her wish of attending university was realized. The story is all the more special because it is based on the real life of the author's grandmother. Truly gorgeous illustrations reflect Chinese culture, fashions, architecture, and customs.

[Andria Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful true story of a little girl born in a family of mostly boys striving to go to university and learn rather than be married and have children. The artwork is stunning and I applaud Ruby's dedication and bravery. 5 ⭐!

[Alexa Morales]

In a city of China, boys are the only ones that go to university. On the other hand, girls are not usually taught to be literate and are expected to get married and serve their husband and family. In a household full on children, there was a girl named Ruby. Out of all the girls in the town, she was the only one that attended classes. All of the other girls had to learn how to cook and clean. Ruby expressed to her grandfather how boys were treated better because they got to attend university. Instead of getting married, Ruby wanted to attend university and she expressed that desire to her wealthy grandfather. During New Year's, when children got red envelopes with money, Ruby's envelope was bigger. What was in her envelope was life-changing. It was an acceptance letter from a university, where ruby would be the first girl to attend.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of a young girl in China. She loves to learn and is lucky enough to live in a household where the girls can learn alongside the boys...as long as they don't neglect their embroidery and other housekeeping duties. Ruby dreams of attending college and feels it unfair that boys can go to college but she will have to marry. Then on Chinese New Year, she gets a wonderful surprise from her grandfather.

This is a true story and could be used to introduce Chinese New Year as well as to discuss determination, the importance of education, setting goals, and the rewards of hard work.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite books ever. When my children were younger, I'd read it aloud to them often and it never failed to bring happy tears to my eyes. 紅包 ( hóngbāo - red envelopes filled with coins/money, traditionally given to children at CNY, a.k.a Spring Festival) plays a pivotal role in this story. Although I've missed CNY 2019 by a couple of days, I thought today would be a good day to review this book so it would appear in my feed. I hope someone will read this book as a result of seeing my review and enjoy it as much as I do. 新年快樂

[LauraW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an compelling introduction to some cultural differences that might actually interest kids of our dominant (American) culture. I was especially intrigued by the description of the household, with the patriarch and all of his descendants. It could make for some wide-ranging discussions with students about gender roles and differences in values. Thought-provoking.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t get how people love this book. Nothing happens. No tension, just results. I’m all for girl power, but this was just “zzzzz....”. “Girls need education,too, grandpa.” “Ok granddaughter,go to school.” Story over.

[Robert Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for New Writer and New Illustrator (2003)

[Maggi Rohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character in this book maintains a lovely balance between respecting traditional Chinese culture and expressing a desire for something more.

[Leslie Basky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to learn about Chinese Culture, Chinese New Years, ways boys and girls are treated differently. Inferring, goals, gratitude, having a dream... so many possibilities