A searchable database of books recommended by the CCBC.
More information about CCBC Choices book recommendations
Tar Beach
CCBC Review:
In one of the most visually exciting books to appear in a long time, artist Faith Ringgold has created a picture-book based on her story quilt, "Tar Beach." Eight-year-old Cassie Lightfoot and her baby brother Be Be lie stretched out on a mattress on the rooftop of their Harlem apartment while her parents play cards with their next-door neighbors. During that magical time that comes between wakefulness and sleep, the adult conversation blends into Cassie's daydream as she envisions herself flying high above the city, claiming that she owns it all and can change anything to make life come out the way she wants it to be. Ringgold's boldly imaginative acrylic paintings brilliantly capture the power of a child's soaring imagination on the twilight edge of dreams. Set in 1939, Tar Beach succeeds as an appealing story for children illustrated with fine art, an astute societal commentary and a new variation on a traditional African American liberation motif. ©1991 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Faith Ringgold
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
20th Century
African Americans
Art and Artists
City Life
Community
Dreams
Historical Fiction
Imagination/Imaginary Play
Nighttime
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Crown
Publish Year: 1991
Pages: 32
ISBN: 017580306
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Ringgold