Tar Beach Setting

Where It All Goes Down

Lost Between the Moon and New York City

Cassie divides her time between the New York nighttime sky and her apartment down below. Since she's so close to the George Washington Bridge, we can make an educated guess that her family lives in Harlem.

(That part of town is known for its African-American heritage, by the way. Ever heard of the Harlem Renaissance? If not, check out this guide ASAP.)

We also know that the story mostly takes place during the late 1930s. (Cassie's eight years old, and she was born in 1931.) This means that the story takes place smack dab in the middle of the Great Depression. (Check out this guide for more on that.)

It was a depressing time—being a Depression and all—but Cassie tends to focus on the bright side.