Saving American Beach
Impressive true tale of woman who protected inclusive beach.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Saving American Beach is, by Heidi Tyline King, and colorfully illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes, is a biographical picture book inspired by the real-life story of African American environmentalist MaVynee Betsch. It tells the story of when her grandfather knew "something must be done" about racially segregated beaches in Florida, and purchased American Beach to be an inclusive place for everyone to enjoy. The beach becomes a flourishing landmark, but years later when MaVynee returns to Florida after her international career as an opera singer, she finds that the beach has been neglected and forgotten about. The rest of the book details her commitment to preserving her family's legacy, and protecting the beach.
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What's the Story?
Written as a child-friendly biography, SAVING AMERICAN BEACH brings hidden figure MaVynee Betsch's story to life. The book details MaVynee's life, from being a young child raised in the South during the Jim Crow era, to being an internationally praised opera singer, to devoting her life to protecting her great-grandfather's beach and becoming an environmental advocate. A sense of appreciation for and connection to nature is expressed throughout the book. The story is rooted in the central theme of acting when "something must be done," and standing up for the things you believe in, no matter how difficult that might be.
Is It Any Good?
This stunning biography has an important message for readers, as it shares a lesser known piece of history about a landmark beach through captivating words and brightly colored art. Ekua Holmes' collage-like illustrations layer in musical notes, prints, maps, and newspaper clippings to bring a greater sense of realism to Saving American Beach. Author Heidi Tyline King uses metaphors and similes to create a sensory experience for readers, with a sense of musical influence. MaVynee's journey inspires readers to think about their potential to advocate for change and become activists in their own right. The effortless inclusion of other significant Black figures, such as Mauri Leighton and Ray Charles, enhances the book's educational qualities.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how segregation in the United States during the Jim Crow era is shown in Saving American Beach. What did you know about this time in history before reading the book? Did you know that beaches and the ocean were also segregated?
What's your favorite beach? Is it a place you've visited in real life, or is it in a book, movie, show, or game? What makes your favorite beach special? Can you draw or paint a picture of your favorite beach? Make it bright like the book's illustrations!
MaVynee Betsch became known as "The Beach Lady" because of her dedication to protecting the beach and it's beauty. Is there something (a place, a group of animals, a cause, etc.) that you care so much about that you would protest to protect it? If so, what would your nickname be?
Book Details
- Author: Heidi Tyline King
- Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: April 1, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 7, 2021
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