Tar Beach

Tar Beach. Faith Ringgold. Illus. by Faith Ringgold. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1991. 32 pages. $15.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-517-58030-6. Grades K-4.

Eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot can fly; all she has to do is choose “somewhere to go that you can’t get to any other way.” She flies among the stars, over the ice cream factory, to the George Washington Bridge, and to the top of the Union Building. Whatever she flies over becomes hers; making a world of never ending dessert, comfort, and success. Set in the 1930s, a time where many Americans were held down and back by racial prejudice, TarBeach explores the hopes and dreams of being free from social restrictions and bonds. The lyrical text tells a story of imagination for children that will raise them from their seats while also touching on important issues from the period, like the practice of excluding individuals from unions because of race. Inspiration for the story is taken from Ringgold’s story quilt of the same name and the illustrations reflect a similar style. The colorful acrylic paints and unique, patterned canvas that make up the illustrations add life to the already artful story. Each page pops with color and creates a blurred border from reality and the dreams of this optimistic child. This beautiful tale of freedom and hope will enchant readers and make them want to find their wings. Highly Recommended