Ringgold has fashioned a poignant fictional story about eight-year-old Cassie, who dreams that she can claim the George Washington Bridge (and freedom and wealth) by soaring above the city. A Caldecott Honor Book. A Coretta Scott King Award Book. An ALA Notable Book. New York Times Best Illustrated Book. Full color. nIllus. 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 Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture.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 ones world by flying over it. A practical and stunningly beautiful book.--(starred) Horn Book.