The spoiling of her beloved beach by an oil spill turns a child into an eco-activist in this fictionalized view of actual events.Light-skinned Sam is initially devastated to see what has become of her Santa Barbara beach, but as she witnesses her community laboring to rescue wildlife and clean the shore, her sadness turns to anger. Along with chronicling how that 1969 offshore spill touched off the first nationwide Earth Day the following year, this story offers a template for the sort of internal sea change required to spark real concern for environmental-or any other-issues: "Before the spill, Sam liked to pretend the oil rigs weren't a part of her favorite place. But now she no longer wanted to look past them." The illustrations, which run to staid views of light- and dark-skinned figures in '60s dress seen at a remove laboring on the oil-stained beach, watching old-fashioned TVs, marching, and demonstrating composting and other eco-activities, may distance both the disaster and the unexpectedly widespread response from modern readers, but along with a timeline, the backmatter includes notes on Earth Day celebrations today and suggested activities for young activists. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A reserved but perceptive view of a major milestone in the environmental movement. (author's note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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.)