{"product_id":"our-first-bus-ride-9781948529266","title":"Our First Bus Ride","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne fall morning in Minneapolis, two girls stepped onto a yellow school bus. It looked like a regular ride-but it wasn't.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOur First Bus Ride\u003c\/em\u003e tells the story of Molly and Monica, two best friends whose lives change when they become part of the historic Hale-Field school pairing in 1971-one of Minnesota's earliest efforts to integrate public schools. Though segregated schools were declared unconstitutional decades earlier, communities across the country were still working to make fairness a reality. Through the eyes of these two children, young readers experience the excitement, uncertainty, and hope of learning in a new place with new classmates. As Molly and Monica ride the bus together, they begin to understand what it means to share schools, resources, and friendships.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInspired by real events, this beautifully illustrated picture book introduces children to the ideas of integration and fairness in clear, age-appropriate language. \u003cem\u003eOur First Bus Ride\u003c\/em\u003e celebrates courage, community, and the power of learning together across differences-a legacy that continues to shape schools and neighborhoods today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeventy years after Brown v. Board of Education declared segregated schools unconstitutional, the journey toward true integration still tells many stories - one of them begins in Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for families, classrooms, and libraries, this story invites meaningful conversations about history, empathy, and belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Derek Francis\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Strive Publishing LLC\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 01\/24\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 46\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.84lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 10.00h x 8.00w x 0.25d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781948529266\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAudience:\u003c\/b\u003e Ages 9-12\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFrancis, Derek:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \"Derek Francis is an educator, film producer and author that elevates creating welcoming, culturally responsive school environments for all students. In 2024 Derek produced Separate Not Equal - Minnesota Integration Story, which was selected for the Twin Cities Film Festival. Derek has led professional development at schools, communities and conferences nationally. He lives in Fridley, Minnesota with his daughter, Grace.\"\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFinch, Ashley:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \"Derek Francis is an educator, film producer and author that elevates creating welcoming, culturally responsive school environments for all students. In 2024 Derek produced Separate Not Equal - Minnesota Integration Story, which was selected for the Twin Cities Film Festival. Derek has led professional development at schools, communities and conferences nationally. He lives in Fridley, Minnesota with his daughter, Grace.\"","brand":"booksdeli.com","offers":[{"title":"Derek Francis \/ Hardcover \/ English","offer_id":48752156311709,"sku":"9781948529266","price":39.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5648\/9373\/files\/img_bd7074e7-52ea-419d-aa56-83a5d758a0ba.jpg?v=1785920438","url":"https:\/\/booksdeli.com\/products\/our-first-bus-ride-9781948529266","provider":"booksdeli.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}