Character Clues

Character Analysis

Actions

When Cassie talks about flying, we understand she's not literally zooming around, Superman-style. We know she has a big imagination. We learn a little about the other Lightfoots through their actions, too. Daddy works. Mommy cooks, and cries. Be Be just wants to do whatever Cassie's doing: classic baby brother stuff.

Names

Cassie's last name is Lightfoot. Coincidence? We think not. If you think about it, "light foot" is connected to her whole flying thing. Her dad is light on his feet, too. Cassie tells us he's known as "the Cat" at work because he climbs so high, so easily.

Oh, and Mr. and Mrs. Honey, the neighbors? We don't know too much about them, but they do seem super sweet.

Family Life

Tar Beach doesn't have a lot of words; it adds up to a few paragraphs at most.

But in a short space, we learn so much about what life is like in the Lightfoot family. We know about their happiness, their struggles, their work (well, Daddy's work), and what they like to do for fun. We can tell how much Be Be looks up to Cassie, and how much Cassie looks up to Daddy.

By the end of the story, the Lightfoots almost feel like our own neighbors…and that's part of the magic of this book.