<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: 'Tar Beach' is a book that any age could enjoy!
Review: 'Tar Beach" by Faith Ringgold is a book that a child of any age could enjoy. Any child could relate to Cassie Louise Lightfoot. Every child has dreams and this book supports the need for children to escape into their own world of imagination. Ringgold is a talented author and illustrator. I feel that children can truly relate to her stories and paintings.
Rating: 
Summary: Incredible Art
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: I want to get away. I want to fly away.
Review: First off, this book would pair brilliantly with Deborah Hopkinson's, "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt". Utilizing a style not unlike the classic slave quilts featured in "Sweet Clara", "Tar Beach" tells a contemporary story while tying its narrative to the history of African American storytelling. Before I say anything else, though, I should warn you about something. When I first read this book I had borrowed it from my local lending library. The copy I got out was a hardcover from 1991. Now, do you remember getting books when you were a kid and they, not to put too fine a point on it, stank? Certain picture books have some kind of binding glue or something that, over time, makes them stink to high heaven. This book was especially smelly and even as it sits next to me here on my desk I'm reluctant to open it up for reference because of its offensive odor. It's quite possible, even probable, that the editions of this book being sold now (being paperback and all) are smell free and no longer printed so as to attack one's olfactory senses. Just don't buy a used hardcover copy from 1991. That's all I'm saying.
In this tale a small African-American girl dreams of flight. In her flight she is powerful and free. The George Washington bridge, a magnificent structure that her father helped to build, is a diamond necklace around her neck. Flying high, the girl gives her father the union building he's working on, "Then it won't matter that he's not in their old union, or whether he's colored or a half-breed Indian, like they say". With her father so gainfully employed her mother "won't cry all winter" when her dad goes out looking for work. She'll be able to sleep late and (this is the most heartbreaking part for me), "we can have ice cream every night for dessert". The girl daydreams these flights while the family goes up to what they like to call Tar Beach. On the roof of their building they have peanuts and chicken and watermelon as well. She sums up by explaining, "it's very easy, anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can't get to any other way. The next thing you know, you're flying among the stars".
On the last two pages of the book a long history of author/illustrator Faith Ringgold explains her life, the history of her work, the history of African Americans in the 1930s, and the basis of this tale. A quilter by trade, the left page displays the amazing quilt that inspired "Tar Beach" the book. In this quilt, the girl and her brother sit not too far from their parents and neighbors. Above, the girl soars over the George Washington Bridge and the words of the book are written into the fabric of the quilt. Parents reading this book to their kids would do well to read the summary at the end of the tale to themselves before reading the picture book to their children. That way they'll be better equipped to answer any potential questions the children might bring up regarding labor union practices regarding African Americans or the history of flight in the stories of slaves. This book covers a lot of ground. The basis of the tale itself is rooted in Ringgold's own experiences of growing up in Harlem as a child. She even gives a little background on the characters discussed within the tale and their lives.
The book is drawn using acrylics on canvas paper with the occasional quilted piece appearing on the sides. As for the plot, kids reading the book may be a little confused as to whether or not the heroine of the tale actually is flying or if it's just in her head. After all, there's a pretty clear picture of her little brother lying below looking up as his sister soars. If kids are able to get past that little detail, however, they'll probably love the tale. I mean, who hasn't wanted to fly freely over friends and family? Who hasn't wanted to give their parents everything they'd need to be happy? Or, for that matter, own an ice cream factory?
The book is well rooted in history, imagination, and colorful storytelling. With a pedigree such as this, it's hard not to admire it thoroughly. And if you'd like yet another book to pair it with during your storytime, consider "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" by H.H. Smith, which is ALSO about the building of the George Washington bridge. Altogether this is an important book with a well told message.
Rating:
Summary: Tar Beach Review
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 [her]." 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.
Rating:
Summary: Tar Beach Review
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 [her]." 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.
Rating:
Summary: Tar Beach
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Tar Beach
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Forever Dream
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Tar Beach
Review: This lovely picture book has appeal not only for it's artistic value, but also the sensitivity it provides for African-American History. In viewing Cassie as she flies over her city and claims buildings and a bridge, we see a little girl's dreams of a life in which her family will rise to their own freedom from discrimination. This imaginative book is beautifully depicted from it's original quilt story. Ringghold is a wonderfully talented artist with the ability to make Tar Beach come alive in these pages.
<< 1 >>
|
