Saving American Beach
illustrations by
on Goodreads (362)
What’s inside...
Saving American Beach is a children's book by Heidi Tyline King, illustrated by Ekua Holmes, that tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer who dedicated her life to preserving American Beach, a historic beach in Florida founded by her grandfather Abraham Lincoln Lewis in 1935 as a vacation spot for African Americans during the segregation era. After a successful career in Europe, MaVynee returns to focus on environmental activism, fighting against development and ensuring the conservation of the beach's natural beauty and historical significance. The story highlights themes of environmentalism, heritage, and the impact of individual activism, inspiring young readers to appreciate and protect important cultural and natural landmarks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did MaVynee Betsch's actions make a difference in her community and why is that important?
What can we learn from MaVynee's dedication to preserving American Beach?
In what ways can we help protect and care for places that are important to us?
Why do you think it's important to have places like American Beach for everyone to enjoy?
How did the story make you feel about standing up for what you believe in?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by explaining the historical context of American Beach and why it was significant for African American communities.
Share personal experiences or similar stories of community activism to make the connection more relatable.
Encourage your child to think about a place they love and discuss ways they can help care for or improve it.
Highlight MaVynee Betsch’s passion and ask your child about causes they feel strongly about.
Use a map to locate American Beach and discuss its geographical and cultural significance to enhance comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story portrays MaVynee Betsch's relentless efforts to preserve American Beach, showcasing her determination despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that by staying determined and persistent, they can overcome obstacles and make a difference in their communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of heritage and conservation
Explanation: Through MaVynee's dedication to saving American Beach, the book highlights the significance of preserving cultural history and the environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and protect natural and historical sites in their own towns, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship.
Example Lesson: Community activism and involvement
Explanation: The book shows how MaVynee engaged with the community and gathered support to protect the beach, emphasizing the power of collective action.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of community engagement and how their voices can be influential when advocating for positive changes.
Example Lesson: Equality and social justice
Explanation: As American Beach was a place where African Americans could defy segregation and enjoy the seaside, the book touches on themes of equality and justice.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to stand up for equality and to treat everyone with fairness and respect, irrespective of their background.
Example Lesson: Educational value of history
Explanation: By learning about MaVynee and American Beach's history, readers gain insights into historical struggles and achievements of African Americans.
Real-World Application: Understanding historical context helps children appreciate the struggles and triumphs of different communities, enhancing their empathy and knowledge.