"Tar Beach"

"Tar Beach" is a children's book by Faith Ringgold that uses vibrant illustrations and storytelling to explore themes of dreams, freedom, and identity. Set in 1939 Harlem, it tells the story of a young girl who imagines flying over the city from the rooftop of her apartment building, where the tar-covered roof becomes her "bed." Through her imagination, she dreams of escaping limitations and achieving her desires, symbolizing hope and the possibility of a better future. The book celebrates African American culture and the power of imagination as a means of empowerment.