Black Beach

November 1, 2022
The spoiling of her beloved beach by an oil spill turns a child into an eco-activist in this fictionalized view of actual events. Light-skinned Sam is initially devastated to see what has become of her Santa Barbara beach, but as she witnesses her community laboring to rescue wildlife and clean the shore, her sadness turns to anger. Along with chronicling how that 1969 offshore spill touched off the first nationwide Earth Day the following year, this story offers a template for the sort of internal sea change required to spark real concern for environmental--or any other--issues: "Before the spill, Sam liked to pretend the oil rigs weren't a part of her favorite place. But now she no longer wanted to look past them." The illustrations, which run to staid views of light- and dark-skinned figures in '60s dress seen at a remove laboring on the oil-stained beach, watching old-fashioned TVs, marching, and demonstrating composting and other eco-activities, may distance both the disaster and the unexpectedly widespread response from modern readers, but along with a timeline, the backmatter includes notes on Earth Day celebrations today and suggested activities for young activists. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A reserved but perceptive view of a major milestone in the environmental movement. (author's note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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April 3, 2023
The Stiths and Lechuga offer up a fast-moving chronicle of the events and emotions leading up to the first Earth Day. Anchoring the account is fictional protagonist Sam, portrayed with pale skin, who’s inspired to take action when a 1969 oil spill contaminates local Santa Barbara beaches: “The sparkling waves that used to crash down,/ whoosh up, and tickle Sam’s toes were silent./ All she could hear was slop…/ slop…/ slop.” Artwork with airbrush textures aptly communicates Sam and others’ dismay when confronted with the oil-slicked beach and wildlife. As the racially diverse town begins a cleanup effort, the group successfully works to attract national attention, leading to the first Earth Day. Sam’s emerging eco-consciousness neatly provides evidence of the role that youth can play in helping to protect the planet. Back matter includes an authors’ note. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from December 1, 2022
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* After an offshore drilling accident has sent oil gushing up the Santa Barbara Channel, it reaches a beach near Sam's home. She and her parents go to see what has changed. Dark oil coats the water and lies in patches on the sand. Other Santa Barbara residents join them and try to rescue sea birds, though no one really knows what to do. Sam is sad and then angry about the damage to her favorite place. She and other children help pack small bottles of black oil, which are sent to politicians. After visiting Santa Barbara, Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator and environmental activist, starts an initiative leading to the establishment of Earth Day, which increases awareness and action at Sam's school and beyond. The writers use sensory details effectively in creating a credible fictional narrative that draws children into what becomes an origin story for Earth Day and the birth of a movement. While the title page features an idyllic scene of Sam and other children playing on the beach, the place is almost unrecognizable later with oil coating the water and sand. The illustrations sensitively depict children and adults reacting to a serious issue and working together for change. A fine read-aloud choice for Earth Day.

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