Illusrated in full color, Ringgold recounts the dream adventure of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who flies above her apartment-building rooftop, the 'tar beach' of the title, looking down on 1939 Harlem.

Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture. The spectacular artwork resonates with color and texture. Children will delight in the universal dream of mastering one's world by flying over it. A practical and stunningly beautiful book.

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 16, 1991)
• Language: English
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• ISBN-10: 0517580306
• ISBN-13: 9780517580301
• Reading Age: 5 - 8 years
• Lexile Measure: AD790L
• Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3
• Item Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.65 x 0.4 x 12.3 inches