Tar Beach
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1991 · Est. 4 min read-aloud

Tar Beach

Written by Faith Ringgold

A young girl dreams of freedom and discovers the magic of flight over 1939 Harlem.

4.2 Goodreads · 9,248 ratings
32 pages· 517 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud· AD790L
$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Cassie Louise Lightfoot, an eight-year-old girl in 1939 Harlem, dreams of freedom. One night on her rooftop, the 'tar beach,' her wish comes true as she soars above the city. As she flies, Cassie claims the world below, exploring the boundaries of her imagination and the history of her community. This enchanting tale blends dreams with reality, inviting readers to ponder: What if you could fly anywhere you desired? Cassie's journey is a celebration of hope, freedom, and the power of dreams.

From the publisher

Illus. in full color. “Ringgold recounts the dream adventure of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who flies above her apartment-building rooftop, the ‘tar beach’ of the title, looking down on 1939 Harlem. Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture. The spectacular artwork resonates with color and texture. Children will delight in the universal dream of mastering one’s world by flying over it. A practical and stunningly beautiful book.”–(starred) Horn Book.

Awards

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1991)Ezra Jack Keats Award (1993)Coretta Scott King Award (1992)Caldecott Honor (1992)
At a glance
Format
Pages
32
Words
517
Reading age
5–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD790L
Themes & topics
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.4
F&P level
~S
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
6144
Publication
Published
December 3, 1996
First published
January 1, 1991
Publisher
Dragonfly Books
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780517885444

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