Tar Beach runs on a sort of dream logic. The line between reality and fantasy feels as Cassie blends the story of her life with her imagination.
But Cassie's imagination isn't totally footloose and fancy free; it's working overtime to solve the Lightfoot family's problems. She has a lot of hopes and plans for her family in the future. But there's a sharp contrast between her optimistic attitude and the attitude we see in her parents, who sometimes seem worn down by life.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- Do you think Mommy and Daddy ever dreamed that they could fly like Cassie? Why or why not?
- How does the nighttime sky help set the right mood for a book that's about hopes and dreams?
- What series of events led Daddy to lose hope?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Tar Beach is a book about the importance of hope.
Under the surface, Tar Beach is a book about hopelessness.