Tar Beach
“...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.”
“Tar Beach” by Faith Ringgold is a story about a little girl named Cassie and her amazing ability to fly - and the freedom she experiences because of it.
It is the 1940s and Cassie and her family live in New York. Tar Beach is the rooftop of their apartment building in Harlem. On hot nights, the family gathers there with their neighbors. While grown-ups socialize, Cassie and her brother, Be Be, rest on a mattress and gaze up at the stars.
Using her imagination, Cassie flies over the city claiming all that she owns. Her favorite place to escape to is the George Washington Bridge, which looks as if it is covered in stars itself thanks to Ringgold’s lovely illustration.
Like Cassie, many of us are longing for the ability to travel and escape both literally and figuratively. As of writing this, we have been sheltering at home for 5 months because the persistence of Covid-19 in the United States. Children and adults alike are having to redefine how we maintain connections to the outside world while keeping our peace at home. That’s a tall order.
If dealing with a pandemic weren’t enough, racial tensions are high and not everyone (especially our children) is informed about segregation and racism in our country’s recent history. We need to have discussions with one another about these issues, but where do we start?
Children’s books can serve as both mirrors and windows to the experiences of all people. Mirrors reflect what we can identify with ourselves and windows offer a view into the life of another person. Great books have both.
Tar Beach highlights some (not all) aspects of African American culture, language, and history. While you read this with your child, encourage questions and take time to pause and answer questions. Questions beget conversations.
It is likely our children will ask, “Why can’t Cassie’s dad join the union?” or “What does halfbreed mean?” Some of these questions can make us uncomfortable. The US has an ugly history of racism that is hard for us to confront.
Our advice is to start where your child is. A good way to do that is to ask in return, “What do you think?” Go from there and answer honestly and simply. A 3 year-old is not going to grasp the concept in the same way as an 8 year-old.
The beauty of this story is that there is more to it than the struggle of Black people in America. When read over and over (as all good books are!) new concepts and perspectives are revealed for interpretation and discussion.
The life and work of the author herself is enough to spend endless hours learning about. Maybe your child is into buildings and bridges in New York. Maybe this story will inspire you and your family to create an imaginary beach at home. We could all use an escape right now. Reading offers that.
Read this story over and over. Discover the layers of stories within.
Lie down and fly.
Some things to think about…
Can Cassie really fly?
If you could imagine flying anywhere, where would you go?
How is flying like freedom?
Activity Idea: On a warm day (or a cool day bundled up) lie on your back and look at the sky. Imagine yourself as free as a bird. How does it feel to fly? Spend as much time as you can in this space.
Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
