This year’s Corolla Christmas Village will host a special guest, Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges who will sign her latest book at Island Bookstore on Friday, December 23, from 6-8 pm. There is no charge for Corolla Christmas Village or the book signing. No RSVP is required.
Published in September 2022 by Scholastic, I Am Ruby Bridges is illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Nikkolas Smith and is regarded as Bridges’ most personal work yet. The picture book shares the pivotal moment of desegregating an all-white elementary school from the perspective of her six-year-old self.
“The Outer Banks has been a special place for me since my first visit,” said Bridges. “I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story with the bright young thinkers and leaders in this beautiful part of the country as we continue our work to positively impact the hearts and minds of our nation’s youth.”
“Twiddy & Company is honored to bring Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges for a special evening on the Outer Banks, a place that is dear to her heart,” added Twiddy & Company President Clark Twiddy. “It is especially important for us to help share Ruby’s message with the next generation of youth on the Outer Banks and give them the opportunity to meet one of the most influential figures in our nation’s history.”
Earlier this month, Bridges was honored by local artist James Melvin with the unveiling of a portrait depicting Bridges during a recent visit to the Outer Banks. The painting is currently on display in the Richard Etheridge Lobby at the new College of the Albemarle building in Manteo, NC.
Bridges is also the author of This Is Your Time, a bestselling children’s book written as a letter from Bridges to the reader. Alongside the powerful recounting of her childhood experiences are historical photographs from the 1960s and today and a moving call to action for future generations to inspire change.
The family-friendly event is open to adults and children of all ages. We ask that guests please limit the number of books to be signed to one per individual. Attendees may bring their own copy of the book they would like signed or purchase it on-site.
Island Bookstore is located in the heart of Historic Corolla Village, at 1130 Corolla Village Road. To pre-purchase your book, please contact the bookstore via phone at 252.453.2292 or via email at islandbksobx@yahoo.com. Pre-purchased books will be available for pick up at Island Bookstore the night of the event, or books can be purchased on-site.
For more information about the event, please contact Miles Daniels via phone at 917.913.1617 or via email at mdaniels@twiddy.com.
For more information on I Am Ruby Bridges, please visit https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/i-am-ruby-bridges-9781338753882.html. For more information on the Corolla Christmas Village, please visit https://www.twiddy.com/blog/corolla-christmas-village/.