Tar Beach

quilt and book by Ringgold

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July 14, 2026

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"Tar Beach" is a renowned story quilt and children's book by American artist and author Faith Ringgold. Created in 1988, the quilt depicts a young Black girl in New York City who dreams of flying over the city's landmarks. Ringgold, known for her narrative quilts that express political beliefs, adapted "Tar Beach" into a children's book in 1991, which received a Caldecott Honor. The story explores themes of imagination, aspiration, and the experience of growing up in Harlem.1

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Faith Ringgold
… (1984), Sonny’s Quilt (1986), and Tar Beach (1988), the latter of which Ringgold adapted into a children’s book (1991) that was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1992. It tells the story of a young Black girl in New York City who dreams about flying. Ringgold’s later books for children…
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… (1984), Sonny’s Quilt (1986), and Tar Beach (1988), the latter of which Ringgold adapted into a children’s book (1991) that was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1992. It tells the story of a young Black girl in New York City who dreams about flying. Ringgold’s later books for children…
Read More