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Faith Ringgold
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Tar Beach Paperback – Picture Book, December 3, 1996

by Faith Ringgold (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 837 ratings
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CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD WINNER • CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK • A NEW YORK TIMES BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK

Acclaimed artist Faith Ringgold seamless weaves fiction, autobiography, and African American history into a magical story that resonates with the universal wish for freedom, and will be cherished for generations.

Cassie Louise Lightfoot has a dream: to be free to go wherever she wants for the rest of her life. One night, up on “tar beach,” the rooftop of her family’s Harlem apartment building, her dreams come true. The stars lift her up, and she flies over the city, claiming the buildings and the city as her own.

As Cassie learns, anyone can fly. “All you need is somewhere to go you can’t get to any other way. The next thing you know, you’re flying among the stars.”
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  1. Reading age
    6+ years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD790L
  6. Dimensions
    9.31 x 0.14 x 12 inches
  7. Publisher
    Dragonfly Books
  8. Publication date
    December 3, 1996
  9. ISBN-10
    0517885441
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0517885444
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From the Publisher

Read Award-Winning author Faith Ringgold's stunning Picture Books!
TAR BEACH
AUNT HARRIET’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN THE SKY
WE CAME TO AMERICA
MY DREAM OF MARTIN LUTHER KING
CASSIE’S WORD QUILT
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 837
4.8 out of 5 stars 265
4.7 out of 5 stars 144
4.7 out of 5 stars 45
4.8 out of 5 stars 147
Price $16.44 $7.99 $8.36 $8.99 $6.99
Read more from award winning author Faith Ringgold! Fiction, autobiography, and African American history are woven into this magical story that will be cherished for generations. Cassie, who flew above New York in Tar Beach, soars into the sky once more. A timely and beautiful look at America’s rich history of immigration and diversity. Learn about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this inspiring children's book. Cassie, the main character from the picture book Tar Beach, takes us on a tour of her home.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture.... A practical and stunningly beautiful book."--Horn Book, starred review

"The triumphant soaring of imagination over reality is beautifully expressed in Ringgold's bold, vibrant paintings….Beautiful, innovative, and full of the joy of one unconquerable soul." --Kirkus Reviews

"Ringgold's strong figures and flattened perspective bring a distinctive magic to this dreamy and yet wonderfully concrete vision, narrated in poetic cadences that capture the language and feel of flight." --Publishers Weekly

From the Inside Flap

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.  

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dragonfly Books; Dragonfly Books ed edition (December 3, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0517885441
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0517885444
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD790L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.31 x 0.14 x 12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 837 ratings

About the author

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Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold

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Faith Ringgold was born in Harlem in 1930. She received a degree in art education from the City College of New York and was an art teacher long before she became a professional artist. She is best known for her 'painted story quilts,' some of which hang in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Tar Beach, RinggoldÕs first book for children, won the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration and was named a Caldecott Honor Book. Ringgold is now a professor of art at the University of California at San Diego. She lives in California and in New Jersey.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
837 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise this children's book for its empowering story about imagination and its fascinating artwork based on a contemporary art masterpiece. The book is engaging for all ages, with one customer noting how it got students involved in wonderful discussions, and another highlighting its celebration of life in the city. They appreciate its colorful illustrations and consider it a sweet read, with one review specifically mentioning its suitability for black history month lessons.

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42 customers mention "Story quality"42 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's story, describing it as a classic children's book with an empowering narrative about imagination.

"...of color to share in the joys of the imagination of a great artist, story teller and quilt maker." Read more

"...Ringgold weaves a vivid and evocative story that looks through a child's eyes both at some of the harder aspects of life and at the transcendent..." Read more

"Love this book. Gifted it when it originally came out. This one is for me! Thank you Faith Ringgold." Read more

"Received and would be reading, hope it’s a good read" Read more

39 customers mention "Artwork"39 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the artwork in the book, which is based on a contemporary art masterpiece and features fascinating imagery, with one customer noting its heartwarming patterns.

"...for people of color to share in the joys of the imagination of a great artist, story teller and quilt maker." Read more

"...Ringgold weaves a vivid and evocative story that looks through a child's eyes both at some of the harder aspects of life and at the transcendent..." Read more

"As a collector of Faith Ringold very pleased with this beautiful book which arrived in top condition! Only thing missing is her signature!" Read more

"...The children loved it, very colorful." Read more

13 customers mention "Ages"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging for all ages, with one mentioning it's a great way to introduce artists to children, while another notes it gets students involved in wonderful discussions.

"...at some of the harder aspects of life and at the transcendent power of imagination and love...." Read more

"I gave it as a gift to a first grade teacher. The children loved it, very colorful." Read more

"...A great book for all ages." Read more

"...My students always enjoyed the story and it got the students engaged in wonderful discussions. I bought this book for my grandson...." Read more

6 customers mention "Message"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message, describing it as a marvelous celebration of life in the city, with one customer noting it's a beautiful book about an urban childhood, while another mentions it's great for stimulating critical thinking.

"...It brought me happiness and wonder then, it was special to me. Now, I just needed something to ground me to a happier time in my life...." Read more

"...lived in the middle of nowhere in the country and this made big cities seem so magical. I love it!" Read more

"Great book! Sweet and lovely but with a nice message that I expect to grow...." Read more

"love this book. It is such a wonderful celebration of urban living...." Read more

5 customers mention "Color"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's colorful illustrations, with one customer noting it's great for people of color and another mentioning it's suitable for black history month lessons.

"This is a great book for people of color to share in the joys of the imagination of a great artist, story teller and quilt maker." Read more

"Great book to inspire young artists! Great pics! Awesome colors!..." Read more

"Explaining Human Race and Inclusion!..." Read more

"Colorful, fun artwork..." Read more

4 customers mention "Romance"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the romance in the book, with one describing it as suffused in love and starlight, while others find it sweet.

"...will enjoy this empowering story about imagination, love, and finding enchantment no matter where we live." Read more

"Great book! Sweet and lovely but with a nice message that I expect to grow...." Read more

"Beautiful book about an urban childhood that is suffused in love and starlight." Read more

"Makes my heart sing!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • OuiDa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tar Beach Book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book for people of color to share in the joys of the imagination of a great artist, story teller and quilt maker.
    Helpful
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  • Asher Taylor-Dawson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful & Powerful
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully illustrated and written, Ringgold's classic will speak to children and adults of all ages. Ringgold weaves a vivid and evocative story that looks through a child's eyes both at some of the harder aspects of life and at the transcendent power of imagination and love.

    Also a great jumping-off point for age-appropriate conversations about equality, equity, and the struggles some Americans face simply because of who they are.

    Readers of all ages will enjoy the beautiful textile art.
    One person found this helpful
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  • amazon purchase
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great illustrations!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love this book. Gifted it when it originally came out. This one is for me! Thank you Faith Ringgold.
    Helpful
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  • READER
    5.0 out of 5 stars Makes my heart sing!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    As a collector of Faith Ringold very pleased with this beautiful book which arrived in top condition! Only thing missing is her signature!
    Helpful
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  • MPONYI
    5.0 out of 5 stars Explaining Human Race and Inclusion!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    We need as educators, parents, child care options these people are responsible for “ touching on “difficult”subject . I.A.W. Life, & how cultures, one survives the oppositions of life,where cruelty may begin! People of color & the immediate cohorts need to know what to expect before using out of pocket terminology to describe others who are part of the human race!!!
    T Y for your attention.
    School Advisor for middle school, educator!!
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy reading and wanted to support author…
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Received and would be reading, hope it’s a good read
    Helpful
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  • Chaoni Kelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Childhood Favorite
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have been looking to recover this book for 28 years. I was in the 3rd grade when I first read it. Purchased it for like $3 from the Scholastics Book Fair at my school. It brought me happiness and wonder then, it was special to me. Now, I just needed something to ground me to a happier time in my life. I plan to read it to my young clients.
    BTW, Chat GPT helped me find it again because I couldn't remember the title or author. I just described the book as best as I could remember it.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • sandy tedford
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I gave it as a gift to a first grade teacher. The children loved it, very colorful.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Gem Homan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations and story
    Reviewed in Sweden on April 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A beautiful book with an inspirational story.
    Report
  • A>
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
    Reviewed in Canada on September 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant art, sweet story.
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  • EMMA Lou
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helped discuss race, racism and systemic oppression to children aged 5 and 7
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely story of a little girl articulating how she and her family live with hope and joy despite the oppression and institutional racism they are faced with. Thought provoking.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Very good quality.
    Report
  • Twalls
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully illustrated and written. A treasure for kids of colour.
    Report