Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day

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. (Feb.)