Author: Faith Ringgold
Illustrator: Faith Ringgold
Publisher: Crown Publishers
Length: 25 pages
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Analysis
Tar Beach is about a girl who imagines she can fly. She flies from her roof all over town. She flies to the Union Building, claiming it as her own so that her father can join the union. She flies to the George Washington Bridge and admires it and wears it as a necklace. She flies all over town, doing things for her family, and including her brother. This book tells a touching story of what imagination can do for a family, and the power of love.
Since the author both wrote and illustrated the text, it is clear that her intended meaning is portrayed through both modes. I think the most important part of this book is understanding the symbol of her flying. I believe that her flying represents her capability to do anything she sets her mind to. The family is multiracial, and she mentions how her dad doesn’t get promoted because of his ethnicity. Going off this, she flies over to the Union Building and gives it to him. I think that her “flying” is symbolic for her determination to do anything she wants to in life and not let anyone step in her way.
She includes fantasizing about her family being more well-off, and able to afford ice cream or not have to worry about her father finding a new job. The illustrations during this part are very important because even though they may experience poverty, the pictures show how much the family loves one another.
The girl picks up her brother and teaches him how to fly, too. I think this is another crucial part of the text because she is sharing her knowledge and ambition to do the impossible with her younger brother, inspiring him to also follow his dreams. This book is a door for children, encouraging them to do whatever they set their minds to, love their family with all their heart, and help others as much as they can.