Director Euzhan Palcy brings to the screen events that helped shape American history: the integration of an all-white school in the 1960s by first-grader Ruby Bridges (Chaz Monet). Predictably, tensions arise as protesters fight Ruby's attendance. But aided by her courageous parents (Michael Beach and Lela Rochon), an enthusiastic teacher (Penelope Ann Miller) and a supportive child psychologist (Kevin Pollak), Ruby learns to face racism head-on.