In this inspirational picture book, Heidi Tyline King and Ekua Holmes introduce readers to African American environmentalist MaVynee Betsch (1934-2005), who left an acclaimed career in opera to save the beach her family built.
When MaVynee was a girl, she and her family were unable to enjoy the neighborhood beach as freely as they wanted because of segregation. Her great grandfather decided to buy a beach of his own where all were welcomed: American Beach, on Amelia Island, Fla. "In no time, American Beach was hopping." MaVynee eventually became a successful opera singer. When her mother got sick, she returned to the beach and discovered it in ruin. After her mother died, she dedicated her life first to the beach's rejuvenation and second to protecting it from builders: "She drew a line in the sand. MaVynee was saving more than a beach." After years of writing letters and quarreling with officials, others joined her fight and legislation was passed to save American Beach.
Debut picture book author King's engaging text gracefully pairs with Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner and Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes's acrylic and collage illustrations. Holmes (The Stuff of Stars; Out of Wonder) captures MaVynee as a caretaker and advocate, and her use of bright colors and handmade stamps elevate MaVynee's special way of paying homage to her beach: adorning her seven-foot-long mane with colorful seashells and pins. Back matter includes notes from King and Holmes both encouraging readers to do something positive for the world. --Kharissa Kenner, children's librarian, Bank Street School for Children