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mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
An okay Caldecott Honor book. The writing and art are both fine and the story is okay. It just doesn't quite up the timeless quality that I want from a story book. And the art isn't enough to make up for it. It does captures a place and time pretty well. It's a good book, just not a great one.
bbckprpl's review against another edition
5.0
I know Tar Beach from Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepy Tales a childhood favorite of a nephew who graduates from college at the end of this academic year. So, aside from telling you how old I am, it also goes to show you just how memorable the text and illustrations are. It's a beautiful book, and it's exquisitely narrated by Natalie Cole in the special (which is available on YouTube). But the book itself is so dreamy. Just a calm, and restful bedtime story, telling a sweet, summer, city story that doesn't show up all that often.
maggior's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lapoflavender's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
neveractuallyreading's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
andrew_petro's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended in article on 100 top children's books.
lilmatt050's review against another edition
5.0
I have always wish that I had grown up in New York City because I feel as though as a kid wondering around in this big city would enrich my imagination, creativity, and immerse myself with culture in this wonderful city. With this book I felt as though I got a small glimpse of that beautiful city.
Before I begin, I have to acknowledge that the illustrations and paintings are absolutely marvelous and I love the texture and it truly felt as though I was in Harlem looking at New York at night. The story is about a girl name Cassie who is on the roof top with her family, playing card games, eating, and laying on the mattress. When she lays on the mattress she begins to fly and escape into the night life of Harlem.
This feeling of freedom and escape is a story that resonates with every single individual. To fly away from our troubles and enjoy life. Since this story takes place in the 1930s, it slyly showcases to children how Cassie suffers as an African American in our country because of the prejudice that her father suffers at work. You don't see the racism at hand but you see the hard troubles of daily life that Cassie and her family goes through every day.
This book is written like a regular children story but if you read the book in detail and follow the pattern, you can see that Cassie is very wise and free flowing with her words which is the author portraying as Cassie. I enjoyed this book extremely and what is so amazing about it is Faith Ringgold got the story through her quilt and that showcases that even though times have change, traditions still survive and through art such as quilts are still being made, it still tells a story of who we are, where we come from, and who shall we be. Beautiful illustrations and artwork! Thank you Faith Ringgold for coming into my life!
Before I begin, I have to acknowledge that the illustrations and paintings are absolutely marvelous and I love the texture and it truly felt as though I was in Harlem looking at New York at night. The story is about a girl name Cassie who is on the roof top with her family, playing card games, eating, and laying on the mattress. When she lays on the mattress she begins to fly and escape into the night life of Harlem.
This feeling of freedom and escape is a story that resonates with every single individual. To fly away from our troubles and enjoy life. Since this story takes place in the 1930s, it slyly showcases to children how Cassie suffers as an African American in our country because of the prejudice that her father suffers at work. You don't see the racism at hand but you see the hard troubles of daily life that Cassie and her family goes through every day.
This book is written like a regular children story but if you read the book in detail and follow the pattern, you can see that Cassie is very wise and free flowing with her words which is the author portraying as Cassie. I enjoyed this book extremely and what is so amazing about it is Faith Ringgold got the story through her quilt and that showcases that even though times have change, traditions still survive and through art such as quilts are still being made, it still tells a story of who we are, where we come from, and who shall we be. Beautiful illustrations and artwork! Thank you Faith Ringgold for coming into my life!
libraryfrog's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
Gorgeous illustrations, obviously, since it is based on one of the author’s story quilts in collection at the Guggenheim. Sweet and powerful story with interesting historical refernces.