But for a sun worshiper who lived in my home, a tar beach was a natural move.

Some head upstairs for tar beach When the sun begins to shine.

But when he showed the first chapter of "Tar Beach," there was trouble.

Its tranquil rooftop, used for reading and relaxing, was dubbed "tar beach."

We went up to the roof, a hushed tar beach overlooking the low-slung blocks.

And since her children's book "Tar Beach" was published to wide acclaim 10 years ago, she has become known for storytelling between covers as well.

I think of my roof garden as a kind of international collision course on a scrap of tar beach in Brooklyn.

These were not giggling teenagers hanging out on tar beach with a towel, a bottle of Coppertone and a forbidden cigarette.

Despite the intentions of both to marry money, they realize they're meant for each other while reclining on sofa cushions brought out to a tar beach.

In fact, all three children in the Cardelli family have always made use of the tar beach, hauling out chairs to play cards and board games.