Cassie Binegar

Written by Patricia MacLachlan

A summer by the sea challenges Cassie's quest for order amidst family chaos.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 235 ratings

128 pages· 20,767 words· Est. 3 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Cassie Binegar despises her family's chaotic new seaside home, longing for the order of her past life. Envious of Margaret Mary's perfect house, Cassie is surprised to learn her friend admires her own boisterous family. As relatives like rhyming Uncle Hat and feathered Cousin Coralinda visit, Cassie begins to see life through new perspectives. Guided by her insightful Gran, she discovers that some things are meant to change. Will Cassie embrace the unpredictability of life, or cling to the past? This summer, she must decide if she can find peace in the chaos.

From the publisher

Cassie Binegar (whose name rhymes with vinegar) hates her family’s new house by the sea. She envies Margaret Mary for her perfect home with its shiny kitchen counters and plastic flowers that are beautiful all the time. She is surprised to find that Margaret Mary adores Cassie’s loud, slapdash family. Cassie yearns for orderliness in her life - for sameness. She wants things to go back to the way they used to be, in her old house, before Grandfather died. Then Gran comes, Gran who is so good at seeing the truth about Cassie. Other relatives arrive, too: Uncle Hat, who talks in rhymes; Cousin Coralinda, who wears too many feathers; and Baby Binnie, who speaks a language all her own. Slowly, Cassie learns from them how to look at life through other people’s eyes. And she learns that there are some things that cannot - should not - stay the same forever.

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