This true story of the first Earth Day - told through the eyes of a
fictional child - will inspire readers of all ages to stand up for their
planet.
"[A] credible fictional narrative that draws children into what
becomes an origin story for Earth Day and the birth of a movement." -
Booklist, Starred Review
"A beautiful and motivating way to look into the makings of the very
first Earth Day. Black Beach shows how far we've come and still how
much work we have left to do." -Dave Matthews, Musician and UN
Environment Goodwill Ambassador
"[A] perceptive view of a major milestone in the environmental
movement. . . . this story offers a template for the sort of internal
sea change required to spark real concern for environmental - or
any other - issues." -Kirkus Reviews
Twenty million people across the country made their voices heard on the
first Earth Day.
Some came out to celebrate the environment, while others protested and
demanded change.
A movement was born.
In 1969, Union Oil caused an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara
that would change the world. Hazardous crude oil from the blowout
flooded the Pacific Ocean, harming wildlife and devastating habitats.
But from this ecological disaster sprang a new wave of environmental
activism that continues to this day.
Based on actual events, Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the
Origin of Earth Day follows Sam and her classmates as they fight back.
Sam initially feels powerless watching her parents and neighbors try to
clean up the oil spill. But as her awareness grows, she learns she's not
alone in caring for the Earth. The impact of the spill seeps into living
rooms and classrooms across the nation. People everywhere are motivated
to act, and a movement to protect and celebrate the environment is born.
