Tar Beach DIANE Publishing Company, 2011 - 26 pages Tells the story of a black girl named Cassie Louise Lightfoot who grows up in Harlem during the Depression. Her family has picnics on the roof of their apartment building -- this is the ¿tar beach,¿ where they enjoy fried chicken, roasted peanuts, and watermelon. Cassie has a dream: to be free to go wherever she wants for the rest of her life. One night, up on ¿tar beach,¿ her dream comes true. The stars lift her up, and she is flying! She soars above New York City: the George Washington Bridge, which her father helped build; the headquarters of the union which would not let him become a member; and the building where her family lives. Ringgold illustrates the story with beautiful paintings that look like quilts. A Caldecott Honor Book. Ages 4-8. |
