![]() ![]() What are the characteristics that distinguish this genre? Memoirs are considered a subcategory of autobiography, a nonfiction genre. Memoir, as a distinct genre in children’s literature, has increased in popularity over the past two decades. This memoir, illustrated with archival photographs of the time period, is an award-winning example of memoirs written for children that reflect an individual’s personal history within the context of cultural heritage. Ruby Bridges had been called upon to perform an act of profound bravery-to become the black child in an all –white school.” In the book’s introduction, singer/humanitarian Harry Belafonte writes: “Nothing can be more moving than watching a small black child climbing the steps to her elementary school that historically and legally did not welcome her presence. So begins the powerful memoir, Through My Eyes, by Ruby Bridges, who integrated the New Orleans public schools in 1960 when she was six. Young children never know about racism at the start. ![]() At the time, I knew little about the racial fears and hatred in Louisiana, where I was growing up. It was 1960, and history pushed in and swept me up in a whirlwind. “When I was six years old, the civil rights movement came knocking at the door. ![]()
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