{"title":"Derek Francis","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"our-first-bus-ride-hardcover","title":"Our First Bus Ride - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\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","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51376124068063,"sku":"9781948529266","price":35.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/QrXlHzakIB9781948529266.webp?v=1789214251"}],"url":"https:\/\/blackandbarhe.com\/collections\/derek-francis.oembed","provider":"Black \u0026 Barhe Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}