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

By Shaunna and John Stith, Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

$18.99 US / $25.99 CAN

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.

Book Details

ISBN9781499813043
Page Count40
FormatHardcover
Trim size8.5x11
Age range4 to 8
Publication dateFebruary 21st, 2023
Publication seasonSpring 2023

Author/Illustrator Bio

  • Shaunna and John Stith are passionate about protecting the planet. Originally from the East Coast, they now live on the Santa Barbara Channel in Southern California where they are continually inspired by the hard work of young eco-activists. Like their protagonist Sam, they’ve learned it feels a whole lot better to stand up and act than to sit back and watch. When the two are not busy writing stories or exploring the outdoors, Shaunna practices law and John works as a writer for nonprofits and advocacy organizations. Black Beach is their first picture book together. You can find them on Twitter @johnandshaunna.
  • Maribel Lechuga is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. She has worked for clients all over the world, such as Anaya, Edelvives, Palabra, Heinemann, Usborne, Charlesbridge or Harper Collins. Her versatility and sensitivity make her illustrations stand out, bringing poetry to her artwork, full of beautiful textures and bright colors. She loves nature, animal watching, hiking and a good conversation. You can find more of her work on her instagram site @maribellechugaillustration.

Product Description

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.