[.ca] Tar Beach (ISBN 0517580306)

Tar Beach:
Tar Beach The name of the book I'm reading is Tar Beach,the author is Faith Ringold. The book is published by Dragontly books. There are 24 pages, the ages should be 8-10 years of age. The main character is a girl who dreams she can fly over many things. I don't know why the call it Tar Beach, because it is not really a beach at all. My cousin has a connection to the book, because he dreams he can fly to. My unanswered questions are dose her dad lose his job, and dose she ever dream of flying again after she gets in trouble from her dad? My least favorite thing is when they said her dad was going to lose is job. My most favorite thing is when she said she had ice cream every day for dessert. I like it because the girl has a good imagnain. The book I think should have 4 stars, because she helpped her father build thier house, help around the house, and help her mom make dinner. I think Faith Ringold should make a version two of this book and tell if her dad lost is job, and if they took down the icecream factory. The book is really good because she really exspress the characters feelings about where she lives, and what she lives like. Dad feels horrible when he finds out he is going losing his job. Mom says it is okay, because she is steal working and she gets a lot of money. The daughter is telling dad that mom is right. After a month or so Janet has to stop going to school. I think you should read this book. I think you would like it to. So go to the public library and check out Tar Beach!

Tar Beach Review:
In Faith Ringgold's Tar Beach, eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot expresses her wishes and dreams. The story takes place in 1939 on the tarred flat roof of her family's Harlem apartment building where her family and friends gather in the warm summer night air. While Cassie enjoys and appreciates her family, her boundless imagination transcends debilitating socioeconomic boundaries and allows her to feel self-confident and capable of anything. Through both the inspirational text and illustrations, Ringgold urges that life's circumstances, no matter how hurtful, should not be taken at face value. Instead, one's attitude can overcome and triumph over anything. Ringgold's depiction of an African American female greatly furthers the effectiveness of Tar Beach. Cassie is a strong young lady who will not rely on a prejudiced society to determine her future. Rather, she constantly creates her own ambitions, regardless of how radical or impractical they may seem. For instance, Cassie dreams of her father being rich, having a more respected job, and even owning The Union Building. The character of Cassie encourages limitless dreams, especially for young African American readers. Cassie's model attitude is conveyed through her imagery-rich narrative that faces adversity head on. Her father is a blue-collar construction worker who must search for jobs in the winter. Society also excludes him from the privileges of union membership because he is "colored" and considered a "half-breed Indian." In addition, Cassie's family doesn't have much money. Yet despite all this, Cassie says she feels "rich" from "lying on the roof in the night, with stars and skyscraper buildings all around \oher\c." She appreciates the surrounding beauty and fancifully talks of flying to those places she admires. She talks about the imaginative flights she takes, leaving the roof much like Peter Pan. This creative way that Cassie addresses her situations adds an unparalleled beauty to her life. For instance, she talks of flying over the George Washington Bridge and wearing it "like a giant diamond necklace." Ringgold uses Cassie's narrative to inspire by first explaining the potential beauty that can be experienced, and then explaining, "it's very easy, anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can't get to any other way." To compliment the text, Ringgold created amazing illustrations using acrylic on canvas paper, which were designed to resemble a quilt. The creative and colorful illustrations further this idea of overcoming life's obstacles by beautifully depicting Cassie's flights over her home, surrounding skyscrapers, and the beloved bridge. Ringgold also uses a two-dimensional style to depict Cassie when she is flying. This adds a visual separation between real-life images and Cassie's surreal fantasies. Overall, the illustrations are bright and include many patterns and geometric shapes. These intricacies communicate the cheerful complexity of life. By transcending reality, Cassie is able to rise above her problems and feel triumphant and empowered. Tar Beach is an appealing and creative work which offers hope and encourages the continual search for beauty and self-empowerment.

Incredible Art:
Faith Ringold is a fantastic artist and storyteller. Recommendalso purchase "Talking to Faith Ringold" In depthexamination of her art (not just in Tar Beach) and Biographical comments from her. Enriching follow-up activities. END

Forever Dream:
Tar Beach is a wonderful, encouraging book. Faith Ringgold shows children and adults that it is okay to daydream and gives everyone a chance to use their imaginations! I have always loved the artwork of Faith Ringgold and her creative and colorful illustrations in Tar Beach help the reader believe that they too can "fly". Ringgolds' amazing use of a flattened perspective and strong figures emphasizes a dreamy and magic flight through Cassie's world. Ringgold in Tar Beach encourages everyone to believe that we too can use our imaginations and fly to a better place!

A wonderful book:
This book is great. This storyline is one all kids would enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful.This book is a Caldecott Honor Book. I can see why it won this award. This book describes a young girls dream of flying above her home, which is something many children could identify with.