First-time kids' book author Shirin Yim Bridges uses a tender family story to travel back to turn-of-the-century China and teach a proto-feminist lesson about perseverance and self-belief.

Idiosyncratic young Ruby lives in a large (and wealthy!) Chinese family, in a gigantic "house filled with the shrieks and laughter of over one hundred children." She stands out because she insists on always wearing red, the color of celebration ("Even when her mother made her wear somber colors like her other cousins, Ruby would tie up her jet-black hair with red ribbons") but even more so because of her quiet dissatisfaction with the family's traditional gender inequity. Determined to study reading and writing--even when it means long hours catching up on more wifely training--Ruby eventually comes to the attention of her grandfather, the wise house patriarch, who springs a surprise as the time for her to wed approaches.

Graceful Aussie illustrator Sophie Blackall captures the culture--contrasted by Ruby's bright red defiance--expertly, with elegant calligraphy, muted period clothing, and countless nice details (from a porcelain bowl full of terrapins to ink smudges on Ruby's cousins' faces). And what's better, Bridges's well-structured story is true--with a fun surprise ending! (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes


From Publishers Weekly
Bridges, in her first book (based on her grandmother's story), handles the conflict between Chinese tradition and young Ruby's longing to attend university with grace and compassion. She sets the scene with a description of "a block of houses, five houses wide and seven houses deep, [once] the magnificent home of one family." Ruby lives in this home with her grandfather (who "did what rich men did in old China: he married many wives"). A tutor teaches any of the 100 assorted grandchildren who wish to learn, but Ruby is the only girl who continues to study while also keeping pace with learning her many household duties. Bridges characterizes the heroine as confident and spunky. For instance, she "insist[s] on wearing red every day"; opposite, Blackall (A Giraffe for France) gives a nod to Chinese silkscreening with four poetic images of her, one per season, wearing various red outfits. One day, her teacher shows Ruby's grandfather a poem she has written in calligraphy: "Alas, bad luck to be born a girl; worse luck to be/ born into this house where only boys are cared for." Grandfather questions her about the poem, and she confides her wish to go to university. Years later, at a New Year's Day celebration, he proves that he was listening. Blackall conveys their special relationship in subtle ways: Grandfather's presence on the balcony, observing Ruby at her studies, a gentle stroke of her head when Ruby is called to Grandfather's office. This understated tale takes Ruby's predicament seriously while still celebrating her love of learning and her joyful personality. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 2-3-Ruby is as bright as her favorite color, red, but she lives at a time in which it is rare for girls to receive education beyond the domestic skills expected of women. Ruby's grandfather became rich in the California Gold Rush and has returned to China, where he has several wives, as is the custom. His sons also have several wives, and more than 100 children live in the very large home they all share. A teacher is hired for all of the children who wish to attend classes, including Ruby, who is a good student. Over the years, she and her grandfather discuss her class work, her thoughts, and her dreams. When it seems that Ruby will have no choice but to marry, her grandfather gives her a very special red packet for the New Year celebration, enabling her to become one of the first female students in a Chinese university. The story was inspired by the author's grandmother's life. The two main characters are well crafted, admirable, and engaging. The flowing text is a complement to Blackall's exquisite illustrations. The beauty of Asian art and motifs is captured page after page in the gouache illustrations, and the family portrait is chockablock full of individuals. As "red is the color of celebration" in China, Ruby should bring joy to many young readers. A lovely read-aloud with illustrations to linger over.Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
K-Gr. 2. Born into a large, wealthy Chinese family, Ruby is named for the color she loves and wears every day. She studies traditional subjects such as embroidery and cooking but she also flourishes at the family school, even though in those days girls rarely learned to read or write. When she writes a sorrowful poem about her family "where only boys are cared for," Ruby's grandfather summons her for an explanation. Ruby confesses her desire to attend a university, and at a family celebration he surprises her with an announcement of her university acceptance. On the final page the narrator reveals that this is based on a true story: "Ruby is my grandmother, and every day she still wears a little red." Told in a concise, straightforward style, the narrative provides just enough background for young children. With crimson outlines and highlights, the gouache art features a vibrant, red Ruby set against predominantly neutral backgrounds. Ruby's tale will supplement multicultural and women's history units and serve as a springboard to other family stories. Linda Perkins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. Based upon the inspirational story of the author's grandmother and accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, Ruby's Wish is an engaging portrait of a young girl who strives for more and a family who rewards her hard work and courage.


Card catalog description
In China, at a time when few girls are taught to read or write, Ruby dreams of going to the university with her brothers and male cousins.

ANNOTATION

In China, at a time when few girls are taught to read or write, Ruby dreams of going to the university with her brothers and male cousins.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. Based upon the inspirational story of the author's grandmother and accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, Ruby's Wish is an engaging portrait of a young girl who strives for more and a family who rewards her hard work and courage.

Author Biography: Shin Yim Bridges comes from a family of writers and artists. She has lived in many countries around the world and now lives in Northern California. This is her first book for children.

Sophie Blackall has illustrated two books, A Giraffe for France by Leith Hillard and 20 Party Tricks published by Chronicle Books. She lives in New York with her husband and two small children. Just like Ruby, her favorite color is red.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Bridges, in her first book (based on her grandmother's story), handles the conflict between Chinese tradition and young Ruby's longing to attend university with grace and compassion. She sets the scene with a description of "a block of houses, five houses wide and seven houses deep, [once] the magnificent home of one family." Ruby lives in this home with her grandfather (who "did what rich men did in old China: he married many wives"). A tutor teaches any of the 100 assorted grandchildren who wish to learn, but Ruby is the only girl who continues to study while also keeping pace with learning her many household duties. Bridges characterizes the heroine as confident and spunky. For instance, she "insist[s] on wearing red every day"; opposite, Blackall (A Giraffe for France) gives a nod to Chinese silkscreening with four poetic images of her, one per season, wearing various red outfits. One day, her teacher shows Ruby's grandfather a poem she has written in calligraphy: "Alas, bad luck to be born a girl; worse luck to be/ born into this house where only boys are cared for." Grandfather questions her about the poem, and she confides her wish to go to university. Years later, at a New Year's Day celebration, he proves that he was listening. Blackall conveys their special relationship in subtle ways: Grandfather's presence on the balcony, observing Ruby at her studies, a gentle stroke of her head when Ruby is called to Grandfather's office. This understated tale takes Ruby's predicament seriously while still celebrating her love of learning and her joyful personality. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature - Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

Once there lived, in a house in China built by a rich man and filled with his many children and grandchildren, a little girl named Ruby. Her name came from her love of the color red, which she insisted on wearing every day. At this time girls were supposed to learn only cooking and housekeeping because they would marry early. But Ruby, an outstanding student, resents the favoritism she sees the boys receive. She longs to be able to go to a university, as they will. She tells her grandfather her feelings. To her delighted surprise, on a New Year's Day when she expects she will soon have to marry, she receives from him an envelope containing an acceptance from a university. She will be one of their first female students. The low key of the narrative is matched by Blackall's gouache paintings, which are almost devoid of strong emotion. Architecture, costumes, and the few artifacts are all properly Chinese. Jianwei Fong is credited with the Chinese calligraphy shown. There is a quiet, almost posed quality to the page designs; even the willow tree branches on a garden wall seem arranged by a florist. But Ruby herself is an appealing girl, far ahead of her time. She is shown in a frame next to a photograph of the author's grandmother, on whom the story is based. She is an inspiration, and "every day she still wears a little red." 2002, Chronicle Books for Children,

School Library Journal

Gr 2-3-Ruby is as bright as her favorite color, red, but she lives at a time in which it is rare for girls to receive education beyond the domestic skills expected of women. Ruby's grandfather became rich in the California Gold Rush and has returned to China, where he has several wives, as is the custom. His sons also have several wives, and more than 100 children live in the very large home they all share. A teacher is hired for all of the children who wish to attend classes, including Ruby, who is a good student. Over the years, she and her grandfather discuss her class work, her thoughts, and her dreams. When it seems that Ruby will have no choice but to marry, her grandfather gives her a very special red packet for the New Year celebration, enabling her to become one of the first female students in a Chinese university. The story was inspired by the author's grandmother's life. The two main characters are well crafted, admirable, and engaging. The flowing text is a complement to Blackall's exquisite illustrations. The beauty of Asian art and motifs is captured page after page in the gouache illustrations, and the family portrait is chockablock full of individuals. As "red is the color of celebration" in China, Ruby should bring joy to many young readers. A lovely read-aloud with illustrations to linger over.-Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews