Crenshaw

Crenshaw could have been so much more. It should have been so much more. The premise of the book held such potential: an imaginary cat as a friend to support a young boy through his family's economic struggles. Crenshaw, the imaginary cat, certainly did not deserve to have a book named after him. His character was not developed and rarely made an appearance. The cover and title of the book set the reader up for a lot of disappointment. There was so much room for more warmth and humor provided by Crenshaw. The subject was a tough and realistic one: homelessness, hunger and family struggles through health issues and job loss. It was an emotionally hard book to read. The author really missed an opportunity for Crenshaw to be an unforgettable character. He is completely forgettable.

Another angle where the author cheated was the convenience of using the young boy's love of facts to spew out messages she wanted to share on homelessness, hunger and more. It just felt more like facts from some article that were put into the boy's mouth, rather than how a young boy would actually talk or think. There was just way too much telling going on.

I have a daughter and daughter-in-law teaching in Title I schools, with students with very challenging home lives. I had high hopes for this book being one that could really touch their students. I just don't think the story has the warmth or humor to grab children. It does deal with unfortunate financial circumstances that strike a family. Some children may have their eyes opened to the economic hardships others face and some may be reassured that other children have tough times, too. These parents, though, both work multiple jobs, are still together and work as a team to do their best for their family. The reality is that is still a world away from the lives of what many children face. Rather than actually have us meet a character going through those circumstances, the young boy just repeatedly says that he knows he is lucky - that others have it far worse than he does. That doesn't help those children who are reading the book and have it worse than him. It just reinforces how bad off they are.

I don't expect a book to be all things to all people. This book just promised so much more than it delivered. I really felt cheated.

Uncertainties frighten and anger Jackson. He prides himself on his scientist-like thinking, and that's what he wants to be when he grows up--a scientist. But, like most kids in a family with some serious problems, he has limited time to think about his future. His dad was once a successful construction worker who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and could only take part-time jobs after that time. His mother was once a middle-school music teacher, until her job was eliminated, and she then started working up to three part-time jobs at a time. Unfortunately, all that part-time work never seemed to add up to full-time wages, and, once again, Jackson's family was looking at the possibility of having to live in their van.

Living in the van didn't seem that bad to Jackson the summer before he entered second grade, but he could not fathom doing so again the summer before he was starting fifth grade. That's when Crenshaw returned. Crenshaw was there the first time the family became homeless, and he was back the second time it looked like homelessness was approaching. Crenshaw was Jackson's imaginary friend, and he was one big cat. Like Jackson, he also wasn't particularly sentimental and liked to stick to facts. Unlike Jackson, who feared he was beginning to lose it, Crenshaw had no problem with the existence of an imaginary friend, even for a boy going into fifth grade.

So this story goes . . . and it is an excellent example of a writer dealing with a major social issue without being too heavy-handed. For some, the story will seem magical. For others, it won't seem magical enough. For example, at times, Crenshaw seems more like a therapist explaining why imaginary friends exist, instead of seeming like an imaginary friend created by a young boy. Yet, maybe that's the type of imaginary friend a budding scientist would create in his mind. Jackson also has a friend named Marisol who wants to be a scientist when she grows up. The author is nicely demonstrating with her character the fact that having just one real friend can make all the difference in the world, to a child heading towards an uncertain time in his or her life. (Obviously, having an unreal friend can help, too. )

Uncertainty. Legions of homeless children or those being threatened by homelessness are dealing with uncertainties every minute of their lives. Crenshaw may be a book that helps those children. It also may be a book that will help children who never have to face the possibility of homelessness understand better those who do. Crenshaw is a cat. A big cat. There is no animal that has better survival skills or instincts. This is not a particularly sentimental story. It's also not a story that will scare children . . . at least not too much. The ending is one of hope, but not hope of an unrealistic type. Yet, the story shows magic can exist . . . even in the mind of a young scientist . . . and can help make a difficult time less difficult. So can love.

What can you call a fantasy which isn't really a fantasy? Crenshaw isn't real 9 year old Jackson realizes this. Crenshaw himself realizes this. Crenshaw was Jackson's imaginary playmate when he was five, and four years later he's back. This is disturbing because Jackson is now too old to have an imaginary playmate. However, as it turns out, he does need one.

This is a surprisingly serious juvenile novel. It deals with the quite serious theme of homeless living. You can't get much more serious than that. However, this is hardly a depressing book. There's lots of humor in it. However, it's not a light read. The author makes Jackson's life seem quite real. He, his sister, and his parents are all very real characters. Oddly, so is Crenshaw. The writer's crowning achievement is making Crenshaw real, but not real.

On one hand, this is pretty heavy stuff for the young reader to handle. On the other hand, it has a lot of entertainment value. I recommend it strongly for kids and even for parents.

I really didn't like the story in general. I felt the title was misleading in making me think the book was about Crenshaw, the cat, but Crenshaw really didn't do much. I ready it because it is on the Texas Bluebonnet list for 2016-2017.

This book is a little weird for my taste it seems as though it's not always on the same subject. I think that this book is a waste of time and I suggest that you don't by one from the store. The only reason why I gave a three star rating is because I think it can be a good book but the author just didn't want to spend time writing it!

My oldest daughter and I absolutely loved The One and Only Ivan, so I was very excited about the opportunity to read Katherine Applegate’s newest novel, Crenshaw.

Jackson is a young boy who lives in an apartment with his parents and his sister. The family doesn’t have a lot of money, and Jackson and his sister are often hungry. Jackson is a very intelligent boy, who loves animals and relies on facts. When he begins to see a giant cat named Crenshaw, he isn’t sure what to think of this development. After all, it is a fact that imaginary friends are just that- imaginary. They aren’t real. They can’t be real. Or are they?

As Jackson watches his parents gathering up most of their possessions to sell at a yard sale, the family’s financial situation becomes more apparent. There is the possibility that they will have to leave their apartment and live in their van, something that happened several years ago. It was at this point in his life that Crenshaw appeared the first time. Has Crenshaw returned to help Jackson again?

This was an incredibly poignant story. Jackson is an incredibly mature and insightful boy. He cares deeply about his family, especially his little sister, who he tries to protect from seeing how dire things are. Jackson loves his parents, but he is frustrated with the situation. He also struggles with the possibility of losing his home, his friends, and having to leave his school and go somewhere else. Applegate deftly weaves a story that shines a light on the reality of homelessness: the struggle for some families to keep up with the bills, and how suddenly families can lose everything. Jackson’s parents are not drug users or lazy; they are average adults who work multiple jobs and try to provide their children with the best life possible.

Crenshaw is an emotionally powerful book best suited for children in elementary school. Jackson is the only person who can see the giant cat, and he (Crenshaw) is often spotted doing funny things like riding a surfboard or taking a bubble bath. These moments of comic relief help break the tension, and once Jackson accepts Crenshaw as real, the cat provides the boy with much needed emotional support. This book will surely become a classic, just like The One and Only Ivan.

One very large, cat having “…a coat like a tuxedo …” and a preference for purple jellybeans – although red will do – helps Jackson as he deals with the impacts of job loss, homelessness, and his father’s MS on his family’s life and on his own. “Crenshaw”, Katherine Applegate’s latest novel, highlights the psychological and emotional toll that these issues have on children and reminds each reader – whether young or old – that anyone may be affected. It is a book that is will touch readers emotionally and one that highlights the need for each reader to treat others with compassion and understanding.

Jackson is a realist, he prefers science and facts to imagination and dreaming. His parents, former musicians “…after I was born they stopped being musicians and became normal people …,” are optimists. His mother’s loss of her teaching job and his father’s diagnosis of MS have had a severe impact on the family – they lost their home, have lived in their van “…car camping …” or in an apartment since then. When he was seven-years old and during a period of “car camping”, Jackson first met “Crenshaw”, a black and white kitten wearing a San Francisco Giants baseball cap and riding a skateboard. Staying with Jackson for several years, “Crenshaw” had disappeared. The stress and uncertainty of his family’s situation caused by having to sell almost all their belongings and eviction from their apartment result in “Crenshaw” reappearing. Jackson sums up his feelings in this statement. “…I figured my parents had a plan for making everything okay, because parents always have a plan …” When his parents are overwhelmed by their circumstances, Jackson expresses his frustration in this manner. “…I couldn’t fix anything. I couldn’t control anything …”

The only illustrations in “Crenshaw” are silhouettes of “Crenshaw” positioned at various locations on the page preceding some of the chapters. This helps emphasize that “Crenshaw” is a background character, but one that is present when Jackson needs his presence.

Narrated in the first person by Jackson, “Crenshaw” is an extremely personal and very realistic story. Chapters are short and easy to read. Language is appropriate for the target age group – 8 to 12-years old – and some of the situations involving Jackson’s family may be relatable to those children. The aspects of this novel that may be personally unfamiliar to many of those young readers involve the situations involving homelessness, job loss, and chronic, debilitating illness. Nevertheless, these issues provide thought provoking topics that make excellent points of discussion to share with your young readers. “Crenshaw” is not without humor that lightens the mood and helps make this story an uplifting one.

“Crenshaw” is a lovely book and one that every reader will enjoy. It is a story of hope and compassion, of rising above the adversities of life and of family. I recommend it.

Although this first chapters are a bit light hearted (with a big, surfboarding, imagery cat) by Chapter 4 the truth is out: Jack and his family don't have enough food in the house, and they are teetering on the edge of homelessness. I never quite warmed to the mix of short (3-5 page) chapters and cat silhouettes, juxtaposed with standing on the street with a Hungry Please Help sign and living out of a car. For readers (or parents of readers) who want to address a tough topic (poverty, homelessness) this is a choice to consider.

My suggestion is consider reading this with a child or 'tween, rather than handing over as a gift. There is a lot that could be discussed in this story.
About me: I'm a middle school/high school librarian
How I got this book: advance reading copy from the publisher

I admire ambitious books. I particularly admire, appreciate and enjoy Applegate's writing - she has a fine touch with dialogue, internal monologues, and the charming or arresting aside or casual observation. Her pacing is terrific and her eye for the telling and authentic detail is unmatched.

But, this book has what I think of as the Polly Horvath problem - fine intentions, superior writing and craftsmanship, and unrealistic and muddled tone, plotting and message. Our hero, Jackson, is implausibly and unnervingly mature. His parents are childishly whimsical and irresponsible. The family's descent into homelessness feels like a device, the tone is uneven, and the crisis is too big and yet too shallowly developed to deliver any message apart from feeling sorry for Jackson. As between Jackson having an imaginary friend and Jackson's parents living in an imaginary world, I couldn't shake the feeling that the parents were the ones with the bigger problem. And that's just an unnecessary distraction. (Actually, putting aside the homelessness issue, I thought that the more interesting angle was Jackson's suppressed anger at his parents for not coming fully to grips with reality. This struck me as the more penetrating and dramatic aspect of the story, and a topic that is rarely even suggested in middle grade fiction.)

That said, I was happy mostly just to enjoy the very appealing and engaging voice of Jackson, and to follow his connection to his sister and his interactions with the too infrequently featured Crenshaw. When you are so good at the small and authentic it seems unnecessary to try to go big and timely, unless you're willing really to commit to that big issue. Indeed, I would have been happy to have taken a clue from the book cover and just sat Jackson and his friend on a park bench and let them talk about the world at large in a "My Dinner With Crenshaw" way. The One and Only Ivan could have joined them.

So, at least for me, it's beautifully written, it features a remarkably engaging hero, it at least introduces a timely topic, and it's a bit muddled in its intentions and tone. This is certainly an intriguing choice for a confident, ambitious younger reader.

(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Newbery winner Katherine Applegate is back, following up the award-winning The One and Only Ivan with Crenshaw, the tale of an imaginary friend who knows when his boy needs him.

Jackson’s family is having a rough time of it. His dad is chronically ill, and his mom is having a hard time making ends meet. They’re hungry and they’ve sold their furniture and are looking at the possibility of living in their minivan. Again.

And just like that, Crenshaw appears. Jackson’s childhood imaginary friend is a huge cat who just shows up when he’s needed. And Jackson needs something to believe in; something to cling to. Will Crenshaw be enough?

Katherine Applegate brought me to tears with The One and Only Ivan, and here, she continues her talent for drawing readers in with an emotional tale of friendship and resilience. Applegate addresses a social issue we don’t read much about, but exists: homeless families, transient families, and the effect this has on the children. She also shows us that all friends matter – even the ones we create to get us through the rough times.

I find that my students particularly respond to books that touch their hearts, that talk honestly about how kids can survive through difficult times, about how we can keep hold of hope even though everything seems like it's about to crumble around us. Applegate draws readers into Jackson's story, blending humor with small moments that place you right in Jackson's world. For example, instead of just telling us that Jackson is hungry, she shows us how he plays a game with his little sister called Cerealball: "a good trick for when you're hungry and there's nothing much to eat."

Jackson is resilient and smart -- and that's why he's so perplexed that this giant imaginary cat has come to visit him again. But it's also why we, as readers, can relate so easily to him. He wants his parents to realize that they can tell him what's going on, but he's also shaken by the uncertainty. Will they have to move? Will they have to live in their van again? Will he have to change schools?

Applegate helps kids see the impact of worrying, something that kids can relate to all too well. She shows them how a friend can help, how talking with your family can help. But she does more than this. Applegate creates a voice for kids struggling with hunger and homelessness. She says, in effect, I see you, I know you, I care about you. And she helps all of us say the same thing.

I love my library, especially the audio book section. I can download books to my phone and listen to them as I do housework, cook, or drive around in the car. So when I saw that this book was available I thought I would give it a try.

The book is about a young boy who is dealing with very grown-up problems. His family is struggling to stay afloat. They had been homeless once, living in their car for several months. Now they may need to do it again. Jackson begins to see his old imaginary friend, Crenshaw, and wonders if he is going insane. How could he need a crutch like an imaginary friend?

Even though this story is aimed at middle grade readers, it spoke to me in so many ways. As a kid, my family was always one step away from financial disaster. I have vivid memories of my parents telling us that our belongings would be taken away. We didn't need all this stuff anyway, right? It would be just like camping. We were not fooled. We saw the bill collectors yelling at my mom. We sometimes went to bed without enough to eat. The uncertainty of knowing something bad was happening, and our parents not being honest about it, is what I remember the most. This novel captures what those feelings are like for Jackson and his sister, Robin.

This story deals with hard truths that most middle grade readers know nothing about. It is not preachy, but does show a side of life that may by unimaginable to kids. I think it is well written and uses the imaginary friend, Crenshaw, to show how stressful this situation is on kids.

It also shows how parents can be so reluctant to ask for help in these circumstances. As Jackson says, homelessness is like a cold. It doesn't come on all of the sudden. It gradually creeps up on you as you get behind on your bills, you have a health problem that means you can't work, or you get laid off from your job. Then you can't make your rent, and you get evicted. Now that I am older and a parent myself, I can understand how mortifying it would be to go to a homeless shelter, or a food bank. It would be a bitter pill to swallow to have to need such assistance. This book does not judge the parents, but shows how challenging it is to be living paycheck to paycheck.

I hope that many young readers will pick up this book. It has enough whimsy to keep it entertaining while helping kids understand what some of their peers may be going through.

Jackson's parents are really financially struggling and young Jackson fears that it won't be long before the family is back to living in a van. To cope, Jackson talks with his imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a giant, outspoken tuxedo cat who knows how to surf.

As a whole, this could be chalked up to a HARVEY re-telling for modern audiences, Applegate even pulls a quote from HARVEY to start the book off. Only, this story is not anywhere near as good. I've tried a few of Applegate's books now (admittedly, not her Animorphs series, but others) and I always come away feeling that while her story concepts are creative ones, they never seem to reach full potential for me. This one for example --- a giant cat for an imaginary friend? SO much potential! But instead it went just kinda meh. Crenshaw didn't even get that much of the story's focus, even though cover-wise he got top billing. (I do REALLY love the cover though).

Even down to Applegate's writing style ... I know these books are meant to be geared toward younger audiences, but the writing often strikes me as overly simplified even for the target age range.

Ahoy there me mateys! This was an audiobook that I picked up for two reasons: 1) the author previously won the Newbery Medal and 2) it has a giant cat on the cover.

The cat was supposed to be both invisible and magic. I had assumed that the story would be lighthearted and that the cat and little boy would get into all kinds of adventures. This book had a way more serious tone. It was about a struggling boy named Jackson. His mom lost her job and his dad has MS. They are poor and about to lose their home . . . again. His parents continue to treat every situation with an upbeat attitude. Jackson knows the problem is serious and doesn't know how to make his parents tell him the truth about their circumstances.

Like how Harvey the rabbit is a sign of alcoholism, Crenshaw is a sign of troubled times. One of the more interesting points of this book is that Crenshaw doesn't magically fix things. He is more of a sounding board and a solid presence in Jackson's life. A friend. Only, in the beginning, Jackson thinks he is going insane because why should he be seeing a giant talking cat that he thought was an imaginary friend he left back in kindergarten.

I enjoyed the fact that Jackson is going through self-discovery and that the cat doesn't magically fix the parents' situation. The cat is a background personality for the most part and much of his involvement is through flashbacks. I loved that Jackson had loving parents who did want the best for their children. I loved silly Crenshaw. This was a wonderful story, dealing with the effects of poverty, friendship, family, and resilience. I will certainly be reading more of Katherine Applegate's work.

Side note: The narrator, Kirby Heyborne, did a wonderful job!

Wow, I can't say enough about this short but endearing story of Jackson and Crenshaw. I personally don't remember my imaginary friend or if I even had one, honestly, but it sure would have been nice to have one like Crenshaw.

Crenshaw, the giant, bubble bath loving cat, is seemingly laid back and downright laconic at times but he also seems to always provide the correct feedback for Jackson, a fifth-grader, who is becoming increasingly anxious about his family's money issues. His father is ill and his mom works three jobs. This is still not enough to pay back rent and they are forced to sell many of their belongings.

Jackson remembers being homeless and being forced to live for over three months in his family's minivan and he has no desire to be in that awful place again. Enter Crenshaw who first showed up at the beginning of that dark time when Jackson was six years old.

This is a story of growing up, secrets that aren't so secret, trust, friendship, and magic. I recommend to people who dont mind happy-for-now endings and possibly shedding a tear or two.

Borrowed from public library
Kirby Heyborne is excellent as usual
5-stars because I would read again

Thoughts: I've been wanting to read Crenshaw for a while now, probably ever since it came out about a year ago and I saw it in the library. I thought the premise sounded intriguing even before I found out Crenshaw was written by Katherine Applegate, the author of the One of the Only Ivan. That really sold me. But as with so many other books, this one was shoved out of my thoughts by other, longer books that I instead purchased to keep me occupied longer. Thankfully, a couple months ago, when I was out browsing the local bookstore, I remembered Crenshaw and requested to receive it for Chanukah. I'm so glad I did, since Crenshaw was one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Before I say anything else, understand that the synopsis for Crenshaw is a little misleading. Jackson's (the main character) imaginary friend, Crenshaw, is hardly ever in the story. Crenshaw itself is more about Jackson's struggles with poverty and possible homelessness. After finishing this book, I realized this, but I didn't really care too much, since regardless of how it turns out, Crenshaw is a stellar read. Applegate is an insanely talented author - no matter what genre she next writes in, if it's a children's book, I'll read it. The writing captures the reader right from the start and keeps you engaged throughout the entire story, while still not detracting from the emotional aspect of Crenshaw. I think I shed a few tears near the end. At the same time, Applegate writes with charm and humor, so the story isn't too dark or sad for younger or more sensitive readers. I think poverty and homelessness is a difficult subject to tackle, but Applegate handles it expertly, making this a fantastic introduction to this subject for kids. Jackson's character is wonderful as well - he's likable, smart, and most of all, completely relatable, something that I think is vital in books like this.

Overall, a beautiful book that is highly recommended to readers of all ages!

I really loved this book, a lot more than I thought I would. Even though it is considered a children's middle grade book, but the themes it discusses are serious enough to allow even adults, and especially parents, to relate to it and to become invested with the characters.

This book discusses imaginary friends and the role they play in a child's life. Especially a child that needs to have an imaginary friend in his or her life because of what their reality is lacking. In Jackson's case, his imaginary friend is Crenshaw, a big oversized cat with attitude. Jackson first saw Crenshaw when he was about five years old and his parents moved him and his younger sister out of their house and into their car. They were forced to live in their car for a period of time due to their financial situation. Crenshaw, at the time, was the only friend Jackson had, who was able to keep him grounded and gave him the distraction needed at such a difficult time. A situation that a five year old cannot possibly process or understand.

But Jackson was always much wiser and older than his age. At nine, Jackson is a serious, responsible, and very intelligent boy. He wants to be a scientist, he believes in facts, and he loves animals. He can recite animal facts like no other boy his age. However, Jackson can tell that his parents seem to be hiding something from him and his sister, and he could tell that their situation is dwindling again and they may need to move out of their current apartment. It worries him that he may have to live in their van again. It worries him that he may have to leave school and away from his best friend Marisol. His parents are holding a garage sale to sell as much stuff as possible to make the rent. Things are definitely bad, but they won't say so and that, more than anything else, frustrates Jackson.

That's not the least of it though. On top of all that, Jackson thinks he's losing his mind. Crenshaw is back. His old imaginary friend. No matter what he does, the cat won't go away. Crenshaw tells him he is here to stay until Jackson tells him to go away, but that's not as easy as it sounds. Because Jackson needs to mean it. The only reason Crenshaw is back is because Jackson needs him, and whether he'll admit it or not, one way or another, he summoned him. Crenshaw doesn't make the rules...Jackson does.

This is a wonderful story of a young boy who is trying to be strong for his family. A boy way beyond his years, with a lot more responsibility than he should have, and a lot weighing on his shoulders. I loved the scenes where Jackson's sister would come to him and have him read her a story or put her to sleep. Those scenes of a nine year old taking care of his sister tugged at my heartstrings as a parent. I loved how the parents always tried to remain positive in front of their children, and never let it get in between them. However, it was also good to see this entire story from a child's perspective and try to understand that sometimes being straightforward and honest is good for a child. You can't always put on a good face, because children can be a lot more perceptive than you'd imagine.

Dealing with an important social issue as homelessness is a brave thing for Katherine Applegate to tackle in this story that is for the most part directed at children. However, she does a great job creating a story around this issue that children can understand and perhaps relate to.

Most of all, I love that the ending isn't ultimately happy and things don't wrap up nicely with a red bow, but one where happiness could be achieved and all the family is left with is a lot of hope for their future.

This review originally appeared on my young adult book blog, herestohappyendings.com

I don't read as much middle grade fiction as I should, and reading this book did well to drive that point home. I was torn when I stumbled upon this book, because while middle grade fiction isn't a genre I usually read, this book was something I felt I really had to change that for. From the beautiful cover to the heartwarming story line, this book really reached out to me.

To start off, we have Jackson, who at one point in his life, had an imaginary friend named Crenshaw. Crenshaw was a little cat who could talk and loved purple jellybeans. Crenshaw came to Jackson at a time when things weren't going so well for his family - they had to move out of their house and live in their minivan for a while, because his parents weren't making enough money to pay the bills.

One day, Jackson stumbles upon a surfing cat with an umbrella, and while it looks like Crenshaw, Jackson decides to chalk it up to it being his imagination, and goes home. While playing a game with his sister, purple jellybeans mysteriously appear, which makes Jackson curious (since Crenshaw's favorite jellybeans are purple). That night, Jackson hears strange noises in the bathroom while everyone is asleep - and when he investigates, he finds Crenshaw in the bathtub, taking a bubble bath.

Crenshaw is back - with intentions of helping Jackson through this difficult time (his parents are again short on money and trying to figure out how to make ends meet, and are talking about moving again). While Jackson doesn't quite welcome Crenshaw at first, he warms up to the idea of having him around, because right now, he really needs a friend - even if it's a huge, talking, imaginary cat.

This story is is captivating and sweet. Jackson's struggle is heartbreaking, but at the same time, it's amazing to see a family stick together through all of it. Jackson's parents are in love and their love their children. They're working as hard as they can to give them the life they deserve, and while it's rough at times, Jackson and his little sister have a pretty positive outlook on things. Crenshaw is a light in the dark for Jackson, and the author has written all of these characters perfectly. I loved how much personality the characters had - it was so easy to get drawn into. This story is such an amazing story that manages to get its points across in a unique way - family really is the most important thing, and having a great imagination is a truly wonderful gift.

Another book recommended to me by my nine year old son, and another Katherine Applegate book, Crenshaw is an excellent introduction to character-driven novels.

An easy to read Middle Grade Fiction book, Crenshaw follows the story of Jackson and his sudden need to invite his imaginary friend back into his life. Taking place in the summer before fifth grade, Jackson is rather resistant to Crenshaw's return into his life. A quite unwelcome houseguest, Jackson refuses to acknowledge his need for Crenshaw and instead places the onus of the situation on the cat himself.

Questioning reality versus fiction, and trying to find the truth within himself about his feelings regarding his family's financial troubles, Jackson leads the reader through a touching and genuine story. In addition to the present timeline, we see how Crenshaw first came into his life. Told through flashbacks, both heartbreaking and humorous, Crenshaw handles the emotional ocean Jackson must traverse in order to come through on the other side ready to acknowledge why he needed Crenshaw, both in the first place and once again.

I really enjoyed the book crenshaw because it was so creative and the writing was very detailed. The characters really stood out to me and had so many special qualities I never wanted to put down the book. The book really relates to real life issues that can occur and shows that with family you will always have a home. What really made me enjoy the book is how creative the author got, the book shows that your imaginary friends are always there. The book really inspired me and I could read it again. The Book's Characters all had such different personalities which kept the book going.
The book also had amazing word choice and the details were great allowing the reader to almost see what's going on inside the book. There were nice describing words that's really illastraighted the characters for you.
The best part of the book in my opinion was how much it could relate to real life situations while still throwing in some creativity, the main characters in the book were always dealing with financial struggles and living in and out of cars, which is a relative occurrence in modern time.
This book really showed me a new perspective but still talked about having imaginary friends and being positive.
I also likes how all the characters had really different personalities, The main character was a pessimist and always looked on the down side. His little sister who is a great optimist really liked to make the best out of a situation.

When I requested for this book, I thought this was a book of fantasies. In actuality, it was more non-fiction than fiction.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

Without spoiling too much... the author was very successful in tackling a serious subject matter through the perspective of a serious boy. If you've ever read books like "The Little Prince," you'd find some similarities. Despite the narrator being a boy no more than ten years old, the character's introspection into "life" in general is amazing. I know this simply shows the writer's own insightfulness as an artist, but nevertheless, I feel that she was successful in taking me through the boy's lens in dealing with a very difficult life situation, and making the unthinkable crisis for a family a more tangible, manageable scenario. I've especially enjoyed the funny moments when the boy obviously saw through the white lies from the adults, so that in so many ways, the boy is the logical one and the adults are crazy, unrealistic, and full of emotional baggage.

The edition I received, however, contained many spelling, grammatical and print errors.I don't know whether or not it is due to my copy being a pre-released copy, but I hope these errors are fixed in the officially released copies.

I am considering reading this to my high school ESL students, because even though it is a children's book, the subject matter is mature, which is perfect for older students trying to learn a new language. It also provides numerous opportunities for discussing idioms and other American colloquial expressions that probably won't make any sense on the literal level.

I read and greatly enjoyed Katherine Applegate's earlier novel "The One and Only Ivan," a well-deserved Newbery Award winner that brought an unashamed tear to my eye. When I saw she had come out with another novel, I was warily optimistic -- optimistic because of her earlier success, but wary because of the subject matter. Imaginary friends are a concept that can be done quite well (Matthew Dick's "Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend" and Brandon Mull's "Pingo" both do it quite well) or quite badly (James Patterson's "Sundays at Tiffany's"), and I could only hope that Applegate fell into the former category.

I needn't have worried. "Crenshaw" is an unsentimental book that doesn't shy away from the fact that difficult things happen to the best of people, but it also deftly handles its "maybe fantasy, maybe real" component quite nicely.

Jackson is a boy who appreciates facts and logic far more than fantasy... so when his imaginary friend, a giant cat named Crenshaw, appears after a long absence, all he wants is for Crenshaw to go away. He's got enough to worry about -- his family has fallen on hard times, and they may be forced to leave their home and live in their minivan, an experience Jackson has been through before and has no desire to repeat. But Crenshaw isn't going away anytime soon, and informs Jackson that he's here to help him. And with a little encouragement from a jelly-bean-loving cat, perhaps Jackson can make a difference... one that can help his family in their dire straits.

Katherine Applegate's writing is thoughtful and insightful, not overly fancy but still perfect for this story's needs. She manages to capture the plight of a family struggling to make ends meet without making things so grim and bleak they're unpleasant to read. Jackson's family may be short on food, but Applegate is careful to write it in such a way that even though the problem is clear to the reader, it's not so bleak that it puts off her younger readers. And Jackson's voice is a clear and strong one, the mind of a young boy who's been forced to grow up a little early and feels the strain of it.

Crenshaw himself is the typical "guide" character, though not the sneaky double-talking type of unreliable guide I've come to expect from many cats in fiction. He's not terribly well developed, but then, seeing as he exists to be an imaginary friend and the story leaves it vague as to whether he's real or just a figment of Jackson's imagination, I don't think he needs to be as fully fleshed-out as Jackson and his family and friends. I actually liked that Applegate left it up to the reader whether Crenshaw exists or not -- much like in "Calvin and Hobbes," some of these things are better left up to the reader, and clarifying it one way or the other would have spoiled the story.

Without spoiling things, I'll say that the ending of this book is a little ambiguous, which might bother readers who want a clear-cut ending. But it ends on a hopeful note, at least, and feels like it strikes a nice balance between realism (after all, real life doesn't always have neat happy endings) and optimism.

A quick read, but still a nice balance between real issues that face kids throughout the world, and the flights of fancy that keep the book from getting too dark and heavy. Kids who enjoyed "The One and Only Ivan" will probably enjoy this book as well. No pictures, unlike the first book, but still a good read.

This was a really well done book that I enjoyed it a lot. The story is mostly about a kid going into 5th grade whose parents are struggling with money problems. The kid's childhood imaginary friend comes back to help him out.

I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was well done. The narrator does a great job with emotion and different voices.

There's a lot about family and friendship in here. As well as some magical realism. While the story can be a bit of a tear-jerker (at least for me as a parent) it's done in a somewhat humorous tone so it ends up being a fun read.

My ten year old son is reading it right now and has really been enjoying some of the humor and the imaginary cat :-) He was also discussing with me how lucky he feels to have never been in the situation the main character ends up in; so I think it was good for him to read about that.

Overall this is a quick little book that I would definitely recommend. It packs a lot of story for its short length and is great for all ages.

Despite the book being named after Crenshaw and Crenshaw being the selling point for this book and its plot, Crenshaw really does not show up very much, nor does the plot really even involve him. As in, the book would have felt pretty much the same if he wasn't even there, because his presence does not impact the plot much at all. Much of the book revolves around Jackson retelling about his family through flashbacks without the involvement of his imaginary friend. Only a few chapters talk about him, but outside of them Crenshaw isn't present. It would have been nice if this book focused more on jackson's and crenshaw's friendship. As someone who grew up with imaginary friends myself, it would have been nice to see Jackson's creation of Crenshaw in greater detail. As it stands this book was mostly one long downer of Jackson retelling unhappy events with his family without any involvement of crenshaw in the slightest.
Children create imaginary friends willingly, so jackson's constant insistence that crenshaw go away is also one of the big criticisms I have. Children create them for companionship and to cope through tough times, which is what Jackson did, and his relationship with crenshaw would be better if he did not spend the majority of the book not wishing he was there. I think children that have imaginary friends and read this book might be a little confused at that.

4.5 stars

Life as Jackson is quite tough. His parents aren't making enough money to make ends meet. His dad works random odd jobs here and there but when Dad gets sick, Dad has to cancel his appointments. His mom works multiple jobs. Jackson's dad is very prideful and doesn't want to ask for help because he believes if he asks for help, then he is a failure. Jackson also lives with his sister, Robin, and his dog, Aretha.

Jackson is all about facts and he loves how science is all facts. He wants to be animal scientist when he grows up. What's ironic is that he has an imaginary friend named Crenshaw the cat. Crenshaw often visits Jackson at times he needs Crenshaw the most. Crewnshaw is a human sized cat with white and back fur. He loves bubble baths and he likes the surf. Jackson and Crenshaw bond over purple jelly beans. Jackson learns to enjoy the magic of Crenshaw while he can even though there is no logical explanation of why Crenshaw exists.

"Imaginary friends are like books. We're created, we're enjoyed, we're dog-eared and creased, and then we're tucked away until we're needed again." - ARC of Crenshaw

When parents say things are all right, children often believe their parents until they find out things are not okay and everything is not all right. Since Jackson is a fact lover, he would rather have his parents tell him the truth about what is going on. He doesn't want his parents sugarcoating everything and pretending that everyone is peachy keen. He wants his parents to tell him and his sister about what is going on; he wants the truth.

Katherine Applegate wrote a middle grade book that covers multiple topics such as multiple sclerosis, poverty and homelessness. Applegate has a way of tackling tough issues in a way where the reader can understand wholeheartedly. Most middle grade books I read are usually fantasy. Applegate integrates fantasy into a contemporary novel. She adds some humor to difficult topics. Crenshaw opens the reader's eyes to other types of families besides the perfect family of four living with a dog in a nice house with a white picket fence. Crenshaw is a heartfelt novel for readers of all ages.

Summary: Jackson’s imaginary friend Crenshaw has come back. The oversized cat was his companion four years ago when his family was forced out of their home and lived in their van for fourteen weeks. When they moved into their apartment, Crenshaw disappeared. Now Jackson’s parents are arguing about money again, planning a yard sale to sell almost all their possessions. When Crenshaw starts showing up again, surfing at the beach or taking a bubble bath, Jackson is taken back to the time his family was homeless. He doesn’t know what to do, but he knows he can’t ever live in a van again. Is it possible that an imaginary friend can be the key to helping him and his family? Grades 4-6.

Pros: A moving story of a close, loving family caught in difficult circumstances. The short chapters keep the story moving quickly. This would make a good selection for a book group or literature circles, as even younger kids would find interesting topics for discussion.

Cons: I judged this book by its cover, and thought it would be a somewhat humorous story about a boy and his imaginary friend. Although there was humor in it, it was a much more serious story than I anticipated.

CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate tells the heart-breaking story of a boy on the brink of homelessness and his relationship with an imaginary cat.

Jackson and his family have been homeless before, so when Jackson hears his parents arguing about money he fears the worst. When Jackson lived in his family’s minivan after he was in first grade, a giant imaginary cat named Crenshaw first appeared. Crenshaw’s back to help Jackson through this latest crisis even though Jackson thinks he’s too old for an imaginary friend.

Written for the middle grades, Applegate’s authentic look at the working poor and the stress of living “on the edge” is presented in an age-appropriate manner. Readers will empathize with the characters and enjoy the comic relief of the imaginary cat who just wants to help.

Librarians will find Applegate’s fans flocking to read her latest book. Readers will not be disappointed. The painfully honest story will help young readers better understand the realities of homelessness.

Published by September 22, 2015 by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

This is a children's book covering a very serious topic, but somehow Ms. Applegate keeps it from overwhelming the reader. Jackson and his family have seen hard times when both parents lost their jobs and the family, including their dog, were forced to live in a van for several months. But they kept their spirits up and things got better.

Jackson can read the signs when everything starts to spiral out of control again. The first real sign is the reappearance of his imaginary friend Crenshaw, a human-size talking cat. He helped Jackson through when the family was homeless before and has returned to support him again.

The author gently builds the tension Jackson is feeling while watching his parents attempt to appear unconcerned when they're late on rent (again), when there isn't enough money for food, when they start selling all their possessions to make ends meet. We see a family so intent on putting forth a united front that they don't see how terrifying the situation is for Jackson and his younger sister.

The book gives a gentle nod to Harvey, the classic movie where Jimmy Stewart is befriended by a pookah in the form of a giant, invisible rabbit. Crenshaw teaches Jackson how to be honest with himself and face his feelings.

Homelessness is a scary topic, for children and adults alike. I recommend this book to anyone who has faced or witnessed someone else sliding off the grid of work, home, and a secure family life.

This is a great book that I read in about 4 hours, Crenshaw tells the story of fifth grader Jackson, who loves facts and science--and who definitely does NOT want to believe in imaginary friends. However, one day his old imaginary friend, Crenshaw, reappears after being gone for a while.

Jackson and his family have hit some hard times: the rent is overdue, his dad is out of work, and his mom's part-time jobs just aren't cutting it. They will be evicted soon and face having to live in their minivan again. The family is often hungry and they end up selling almost everything they own, except for a few special keepsakes, just to try to make ends meet. It is during this period of Jackson's like that Crenshaw reappears. Jackson could use a good friend, so why not his imaginary buddy? Crenshaw is a cat. A HUGE cat who likes to stand on his head, do cartwheels, and take bubble baths. He also gives Jackson excellent advice.

This is a book that deals with homelessness and the despair/hopelessness that kids in this situation feel. It is also a great story about friendship and telling the truth "to the person who matters most of all". Definitely worth the read!

This is a guest review and comments from review contributor Pat Koelmel:

Did you have an imaginary friend when you were a child? I, for one, did not even though there were times in my childhood when I probably could have used one. Maybe even two. In any event, I’d like to think that, if I had dreamed up an imaginary friend way back when, I would have gone big like ten-year-old Jackson in the 2015 middle-grade novel by Katherine Applegate. His is a seven-foot tall black and white cat by the name of Crenshaw.

Crenshaw first appeared in Jackson’s life when he was seven. His dad had just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and could no longer work in the construction field. At the same, his mother had also lost her job, thus, forcing their family of five (besides Jackson and his parents, there’s little sister Robin and their dog Aretha) to leave their home and live in their minivan. For fourteen weeks, they spent their days at the library or park or wherever and nights sleeping inside their car. They dined on handouts like day-old pumpernickel bagels, and sometimes Jackson’s dad, a former musician, played songs on his guitar and literally sang for their supper on busy street corners.

Of this time, Jackson says this about Crenshaw: “Crenshaw and I didn’t chat much during those weeks on the road. There was always someone around to interrupt us. But that was okay. I knew he was there and that was enough. Sometimes that’s all you really need from a friend.” Completely told from Jackson’s point of view, this story really gets to the heart of what it’s like to be a child and homeless. On being hungry, Jackson offers this advice: “If you run out of cereal and your stomach’s still growling, you can always try chewing a piece of gum to distract yourself.” (By the way, Ms. Applegate did her research. In her acknowledgments, she thanks the students of the Monarch School in San Diego, California, a campus for those affected by homelessness, for sharing their stories.)

Okay, back to the story. Fast forward to three years later. The good news is Jackson (now ten) and his family are still living in the same apartment they had moved into after their three-month-plus stint in their minivan. The bad news is they’re falling on hard times yet again. They can’t afford enough food or make the rent. They might even end up living in their minivan again. But that’s not all. Crenshaw’s back! Only this time around, Jackson’s not so happy about it. Not only does Jackson feel he’s way too old to have an imaginary friend, he’s grown into a boy who deals in facts and logic. And there’s absolutely nothing logical about an imaginary, seven-foot tall cat who drops in when Jackson least expects it.

As you might think, with a character like Crenshaw, this story can at times make you chuckle. For instance: After overhearing his parents argue, Jackson finds Crenshaw in the bathroom taking a bubble bath. He tells the cat that he doesn’t exist. Crenshaw dryly replies: “I beg to differ.” The banter between the two can also be tender and heartfelt. When Jackson orders Crenshaw to leave, Crenshaw replies: “We [imaginary friends] stay as long as we’re needed. And then, and only then, do we leave.”

In addition to the repartee, Ms. Applegate does a fabulous job helping the reader to picture Crenshaw’s rather substantial physique. Crenshaw’s paws are described to be as “big as a lion’s, with fingers the size of baby carrots.” What’s that? Cats don’t have fingers? Well, Crenshaw does. If you recall, he is no “ordinary” cat.

So what have I got to say about this novel? I have two words: precious and rare. Not since I read Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie fifteen years prior, have I felt this way about a book. By the way, my imaginary friend concurs. (Hey, just because I missed out on having an imaginary friend when I was a child, that doesn’t mean I can’t have one now.)

CRENSHAW is a heart-breaking but hopeful story told by fourth grader Jackson about his family and his imaginary cat. Jackson's family has hit some hard times. His dad has MS and his mom has lost her job as a music teacher. There isn't enough to eat and they are getting close to losing their home.

When Jackson was in first grade the family lost their home and lived in their mini-van for fourteen weeks until they found their current apartment. While they were living in the van, Jackson met a black and white skateboarding cat that he named Crenshaw. Crenshaw kept him company and was his friend during that difficult time.

Now, Crenshaw is back. Seeing Crenshaw is difficult for fact-loving Jackson. He's sure that he is too old for an imaginary friend. But Crenshaw helps him deal with the yard sale they have to sell all of their things but a few keepsakes.

While times are hard for Jackson, his sister Robin and his parents, the one thing that isn't missing is the love that they all have for each other. I liked the hopeful ending of the story.

Jackson is about to start fifth grade. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up. He's a little guy wise beyond his years. And he has an imaginary friend named Crenshaw.

A family is working together to get through hard times. They had to live in their van for months, and it's looking like they will be without a home again. Jackson is trying to stay strong for his parents, while sometimes expressing emotions and making choices they don't know about. I felt for him. I felt for all of them. I liked each family member, even though the dad had too much pride at times. I liked that there were people willing to help. I liked Jackson's interesting facts.

I'm not quite sure how I felt about Crenshaw. When the book cover caught my eye, I immediately thought of one of my favorite movies, Harvey starring James Stewart. I guess I was comparing Crenshaw to Harvey, who seemed kinder. There were a few delightful imaginary friend moments.

This is a well-written story about homelessness, reminding the reader to be grateful for the little things. Recommended reading.

Crenshaw is an imaginary cat friend who only appears when he is needed. Jackson needs him, but is reluctant to admit to that fact. Last time Crenshaw showed up was when Jackson and his family were homeless, living in their van. Jackson's gut tells him that once again this is going to happen.
Very well done elementary book, about the realities of life for families that are in crisis.
Crenshaw is a smart and sassy adult sized cat, who challenges Jackson to "tell the truth to the person who matters most".
There is hope in the ending, and I was glad for that, if only for the students reading it, who needed a happy ending. And yes, I am aware of those readers who know that for some homeless kids, there may not be a happy ending. An excellent classroom read aloud with potential for good discussion.
Jackson's desire to be a scientist and the animal facts that are interwoven into the story would also be a jump start for more reading or a writing prompt.

Heart touching story

Jackson has just completed the fifth grade and has a lot of worries on hi shoulders. You see his mom and dad struggle financially. One time he and his baby sister along with his dog Aretha and his parents had to live in their van. During that time he acquired an imaginary friend named Crenshaw, who just happened to be a giant cat. When things got better Crenshaw went away, but now he's back. What is going on, and if Crenshaw is imaginary how come Jackson's dog can see him.

This story really hits upon a tough subject for me to read about, homelessness and what makes it even sadder is that there are children involved. Thing is the author balances sadness with hopefulness. The sense of family was great. The author paints an easy to envision story where the characters really touched my heart.

This book is really something special guys. Crenshaw is a perfect blend of fantastic and realist, serious and sentimental. Applegate really snuck up on me and left me feeling so much more than I expected.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The writing style is just perfect and I loved Jackson’s voice. He’s a precocious child dealing with some really tough issues: poverty, hunger, homelessness etc.

The sensitivity and honesty with which these issues are dealt makes this book really stand out. The fact that it is told from the perspective of a child who is trying to make sense of the situation makes this perfect for the target demographic…not that I feel that any age reader couldn’t benefit from picking this one up.

We see how he feels about everything going on and how he feels about the way his parents are handling it, and his fears about the ramifications on his social life.

I don’t want to use the word perfect yet again but Crenshaw left me with more feelings that words to express them apparently…I’m tearing up again now just thinking about it and as usual I’m writing this review up at least a month after reading the book.

So I’ll just say: Read Crenshaw…you won’t regret it. I know I’ll be seeking out other Applegate titles now.

Fact, this story is heartwarming.

Okay, that is an opinion, but I had to start out with that since Jackson, the narrator is a big supporter of facts. He is ten years old, enjoys science, and thinks everything has a reasonable explanation-except Crenshaw, his imaginary friend who pops up when his family faces hard financial times. Can Jackson eventually explain the appearance of Crenshaw? What can he gain from Crenshaw being his friend? And will his parents ever regard him seriously and tell him the truth about their troubles?

Sadly, families who are financially struggling or are homeless exist. I applaud author Katherine Applegate for writing a book focusing on this issue and how it affects kids. There were sad moments dealing with the sacrifices parents must make and the guilt and humiliation that comes with being poor, yet Applegate does a good job balancing the negative with the positive. The family stays a unit throughout their struggles and the parents are there for their children, most of the time keeping a hopeful outlook. Without giving any spoilers, Jackson comes to terms with Crenshaw, his family’s struggles, and how sometimes it is not necessary to always have an explanation for everything. Sometimes it is okay to enjoy the magic of life. As his friend Marisol tells him, “You can’t see sound waves, but you can hear music.” (p.214)

I recommend this book to teachers and elementary librarians. I also recommend to late elementary-junior high students as I am sure many children can relate and possibly gain encouragement from reading Jackson’s story.

wow. just wow. i just finished and wow. this book is like the best! kids 7-12 would love it the most! for school we had to write down our top 5 fav books. without even thinking like some magical spirt popped out of me i typed down crenshaw. the boy has "no" imagination.. right? well no. he does. crenshaw speaks to him too much that it breaks the "no imagination" circle around him and to me... thats powerful.

please read.

so you can connect like i did.

thank you.

So a few of my friends are teachers, and they typically teach late elementary/early middle school age children. This cropped up on my Goodreads page a few times and I liked the cover, didn’t know anything about it, so I read it.

I did not realise until I started it that it was probably meant for 8 to 10 year olds, since the main character is about to enter 5th grade. But, you know what? I’m overjoyed that I read it. It was wholesome and pure and I’m not even a little bit sorry to have spent that 40 minutes on it. It was more enjoyable than anything Ayn Rand has ever written and, as a bonus, all the chapters had a really neat illustration with them.

But! I digress - the book. It deals with some heavy stuff. Homelessness, a family living in their car, a friendless kid that feels like he has to carry the burden of knowing what’s coming when his parents announce a yard sale and keep his little sister safe. However, and maybe this is the crux of why I liked it so much, it’s dealt with in a really intelligent and accessible way. There’s a safety blanket built in by the titular character - Crenshaw - and the mystery of where he comes from and why he comes back propels the book forward even as every few chapters we get a flashback to Jackson’s time spent living in his parents minivan. There are some really heartbreaking scenes in the book, but its handled delicately and with such an overarching air of - perhaps whimsy is too strong, but if there’s a word for ‘we got this’? that is needed here - that I trust Applegate to lead me into the light. I think kids would really like this, and high fives to my teacher friends for unknowingly sending it my way. 10/10.

This is a very strange book for young readers, but I think this genre needs more books like this! The character of Crenshaw really reminds me of Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro. I found that the story was very real and presented difficult topics to young readers in a way that they can learn from and relate to. There is good character development and though the story is quite simple, it leaves a lasting impression. If you've already read the book then I hope you enjoyed the magic in the purple jellybeans as much as I did.

Let's get two things out of the way: Yes, the book owes a (quite small, actually) debt to Mary Chase's marvelous "Harvey" which is acknowledged right off the bat, and, despite running about 200 (large-type) pages, this is not REALLY a novel, more like an extended anecdote... a wonderful, sad, beautifully told, extended anecdote.

Ms Applegate's last book, "The One and Only Ivan", is not only a prize-winning novel, but (in my not-so-humble) opinion a modern classic. It is also, sorta, magic (any book my Grand-daughter reads 3 times?... That's magic!)

Crenshaw, although it deals (in its way) with "magic", is less so.

But it is superbly written, marvelously told, and offers a very important view of a loving family on hard times.

Did I say "important?" try unforgettable

Oh,(point of personal privilege) as an aside to Ms Applegate, should you read this, you might like my review of "Lock & Mori" (inside joke... don't the rest of you worry about it.

This is a very moving story. It left me teary-eyed and a bit unsure of how to feel. Author Applegate sure makes the struggles of this family real. While doing this she shows how kids still stay kids and how families, even those families which find themselves homeless, can get through by loving each other and continuing to try. I really love this book but it does make me weapy. I think I want to have a good cry about the plight of this family. Yet, it is hopeful. It rings true. It is fiction but I am pretty sure it is reality for many many families in this world. This is a great book. Kids of all ages will love it.

This novel about a giant talking cat that only the protagonist can see really ended up being more about the boy's family falling on hard times, and how his imaginary friend was something of a coping mechanism for that. It was honestly a very stressful read for someone who worries about money issues as much as I do, and I'm not sure I would have kept reading if it had been any longer of a book. Applegate paints a very scary picture of how easily a family can become homeless, and of how helpless a kid can feel over things completely outside their control. Well-written, but tough to read.

A serious read with serious issues, told in a very gentle and pragmatic way. Crenshaw is 9 year old Jackson's imaginary friend. Jackson is too old for imaginary friends, and yet, Crenshaw is there to help him through the possibility of becoming homeless again. Reality is difficult which is why Crenshaw the cat is with Jackson to help him through these troubling times.

A pragmatic book that isn't too heavy handed, it brings the reality of homelessness to kids who may be facing it. Even so, there is enough magic and whimsy to tone down a very serious message.

This is a beautiful story about a young boy who is an "old soul" learning how to deal with his disappointment and anger at how life is turning out. What it is not is a story about an imaginary friend - which is what I was expecting and hoping for based on the blurb. There is an imaginary friend but he plays a fairly minor role in the story. The story is mostly sad except for the relationships between Jackson and his friend and Jackson and his kid sister. Jackson appears to be more of an adult than his parents and because of that, I would suggest that parents read this book before providing it to their children.

I would not recommend this as a fun story about imaginary friends. I would recommend it if you are looking for a book to allow a child to explore their own grief and disappointment with things in their life.

Have you ever had an imaginary friend? If you have or even if you haven't I still recommend this book for you! Crenshaw, by Katherine Applegate, is a story like none other taking you on an adventure with Jackson and his family. When times get hard they may have to live in their minivan again. Jackson seems to think he has out grown Crenshaw, but as time passes he might start to realize that an imaginary friend might be just what he needs.

This book is wonderful. It deals with the topics of being hungry and homelessness in a way that is understandable for children. The family dynamic was wonderful and even though they were going through hard times they were close as a family. It made me see my own children in a different perspective especially how they have no control over whats going on around them. I also cried a few times. Again a wonderful book.

I like how the author made the story about a kid who's family is going through hard times. I like how creative and imaginative the characters are in the story. The main character, Jackson is probably the most creative and imaginative character in the whole story. Even though Jackson is only 10 he's still is very flexible, caring, and has a big imagination. I would definitely recommend this book.

Written by A 10 -year-old.

I really really enjoyed this one. CRENSHAW tells the story of homelessness, being in the (late) elementary school and feeling grown up enough to want to know the real answers, and of course an imaginary friend that returns. The beauty of this book is its simplicity - it will be an easy read out for classrooms and provoke lots of questions to discuss with students or your kids. I did wish the ending was a little more stronger, I kept turning the pages in hopes that there was more. It felt a little too fast for me. But.....I am not the ideal reader so kids may love it as it is!

"...Imaginary friends are like books. We're created, were enjoyed, we're dog-eared and creased, and then we're tucked away until we're needed again."

Everyone needs an imaginary friend like Crenshaw and everyone needs to read this book to empathize with children going through tough times at home. This book will touch your heart and leave you feeling hopeful.

This book is one of my favorites. I love the characters, but Crenshaw especially. The author has a great imagination! It also makes me rethink my imaginary friend (a girl named Andy who was always dusagreeing with me-we had a lot of fights) great book though. I read it like 20 times, and that IS NOT EXAGGERATING! Highly recommended :)

I read this book aloud to my 9 year old son. In the beginning, it looked like it would be a very humorous story about a boy and a cat. My son loves a funny story, so I was ready to bring on the giggles. As it went on, I realized that this was not a funny story at all...quite the opposite. This book was very well written and addresses some very heavy issues, but my one complaint is that I wish it had been marketed differently. I don't have a problem with my son reading about the seriousness of homelessness, but at the same time, I'm not sure that this is the story I would have chosen had I known what it was about. Ultimately it may be great that he read it and gained a perspective of some real life struggles, I'm not sure.

I bought this for my son who is going through a difficult time and read it before letting him read it. What a well done story about life being difficult and unpredictable and that it is okay that life is like that. This book has a lesson for adults as well as children. It would be a great read aloud story to share with a family or class.

Fact, this story is heartwarming.

Okay, that is an opinion, but I had to start out with that since Jackson, the narrator is a big supporter of facts. He is ten years old, enjoys science, and thinks everything has a reasonable explanation-except Crenshaw, his imaginary friend who pops up when his family faces hard financial times. Can Jackson eventually explain the appearance of Crenshaw? What can he gain from Crenshaw being his friend? And will his parents ever regard him seriously and tell him the truth about their troubles?

Sadly, families who are financially struggling or are homeless exist. I applaud author Katherine Applegate for writing a book focusing on this issue and how it affects kids. There were sad moments dealing with the sacrifices parents must make and the guilt and humiliation that comes with being poor, yet Applegate does a good job balancing the negative with the positive. The family stays a unit throughout their struggles and the parents are there for their chi... Read more

Crenshaw is about a boy who lives with his family in their car. He has and imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a large cat, to help him. It's okay. Katherine Applegate's other book, The One and Only Ivan, is much better. Overall, an okay book. Perhaps worth reading if you could borrow it from the local library or borrow it from a friend.

Applegate did a fantastic job of broaching a scary subject--homelessness--in a safe and entertaining way. The writing was beautiful, the characters were lovable, and the themes—family, love and the belief that we can bounce back from anything that comes our way—are part of the reason I enjoy reading kid lit so much. My kids loved it almost as much as I did.

Book #114 Read in 2015
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate (children's)

Jackson is in 4th grade and has a little sister named Robin. He also has an imaginary friend named Crenshaw, who is a cat the size of a human. It has been a few years since he last saw Crenshaw but one night he returns to Jackson's life. Jackson's parents are having financial issues and facing eviction. Jackson doesn't want to go back to living in the family's mini van. Can Crenshaw help Jackson navigate the path to talking to his parents about these serious issues? This book was well-written and handled serious issues in an appropriate way for its targeted reading age group. I love this author's writing. I received a copy of this book from the store Vine in exchange for a honest review.

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My son and I took turns reading this aloud. It was a good book and dealt with some heavy subject matter. My son liked it but at times it wasn't clear why his parents were doing bad financially. Maybe it was the chapters that he read silently, but he's 8 and he would get confused about what was going on at times.

Cute book I like the cat imaginary friend idea but it was a bit depressing felt sorry for the kid felt the parents should have done more even if it meant borrowing money or staying with family they did have other options I don't agree with how they handled it as a parent with children I would not put my kids through that.

Both my nine year old and my eleven year old enjoyed this book. I was a little concerned that the subject matter might be depressing or hard for kids this age, but I liked that both kids were okay with it. The lessons are valuable to know that not everyone is as fortunate as yourself. Recommended!

I think the folks giving this book one or two stars are being a bit harsh. Granted, you quickly figure out that the book is not actually about the cat, Crenshaw, but actually the story of Jackson's point of view in dealing with homelessness and severe economic hardships. For myself, I saw Crenshaw as Jackson's alter ego, the place he would go to when times got rough and he had to buck up. I enjoyed the pieces of text that dealt with facts and truth, because as Jackson so eloquently stated, being a child is not easy, especially when parents try to hide reality from their children in an attempt to shield them from the harsher realities of life. I thought Katherine Applegate did a great job in not giving out too much info about Crenshaw, thus allowing the reader to make their own inferences about who Crenshaw was and how he impacted Jackson. A very quick read, but a tough topic to deal with if you read this with younger elementary students.

It isn't easy to write an intelligent, thought-provoking book on homelessness for middle-grade students and above, but Katherine Applegate has done it with "Crenshaw." This is a book that can foster much conversation, whether read in school or at home. Teens and adults can benefit from reading it as well. Applegate is a fine writer - this is her best book to date.

Crenshaw is a one of a kind book. Jackdon the main character knows that his damily is in bad shape due to the fact that his dad has a sort of a disease. Jackson and his family are firced to move out of their apartment ( again ) because they can't pay the rent . They end up living in their minivan again. Crenshaw ( Jackson's imaginary friend ) comes back to him because he is in a lot of stress. So this book is basically about how Crenshaw helps Jackson in hard times.

I really enjoyed this book. It's perfect for 5th graders because the main character is in 5th grade. Living in poverty can be very stressful for children and this book does a great job of adding the message of hope into the trying times the main character faces.

This book will touch your heart while pulling the curtain back to show the heartbreak of homelessness in a child's life. The family's struggle is all to real, and you get a real sense of the parents' anguish and the kids' worries and concerns, but in a way that is elementary appropriate. Definitely worth the read.

This is a touching story about ten year old Jackson and his imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a very large cat who likes to skateboard, take bubble baths, and stand on his head. Jackson is a smart boy, who is concerned about his family's finances since they are often hungry and are preparing to sell off most of their belongings to try to pay the rent. His parents try to hide the situation from Jackson and his five year old sister, but Jackson remembers when they lived in their van a few years earlier and he does not want to do that again. He knows that he is too old for imaginary friends and thinks he may be going insane when Crenshaw returns, but he learns that imaginary friends are always waiting to help children through difficult times.

Basically this is a book about a boy explaining what it's like to be homeless there is no real plot or interesting story line and that was very disappointing! I found some parts of the book down right dull and uninteresting. But , what I really enjoyed about this book is Crenshaw, his character is charming and witty and he really brings the book to life. Crenshaw outshines the entire story and it is a shame that his role is secondary and he doesn't appear enough in the book. I think this had the potential of being a great story if Crenshaw had told the story from his point of view.

I loved the book and read it to my 4th grade students. Powerful discussions ensued! The issues of homelessness, poverty, friendship, and imaginary friends are handled in such an honest way. My students connected with the main character Jackson on many levels. Sure to be a Newberry!. Great book!

Especially when we wish the facts about our life were fiction. Especially when, like Jackson, we are leaving childhood behind but not yet ready for the full gambit of adult burdens. Especially when, like all too many young people nowadays, our family is living hand to mouth and facing even temporary homelessness.
Applegate has tackled a tough subject with sensitivity. This story will touch heartstrings with many readers, but my hope is that it will resonate with many more who might find something in it of and for themselves.

Written with such a crisp, unique voice, this heartwarming story is a must read! Good for grades 4 & up as an independent read, but would also make an excellent read aloud between parent and child. Loved it!

My 9 year old son got this book and LOVED it! He says it was fun and told me all about it every time he read it. He said it was creepy in the beginning (not scary creepy) but for a 9 year old... it was interesting enough that he kept having to go back to read more. I am really enjoying this author as she has written some great books for older kids.

This is one of the best books I've ever read! My favorite part is when you find Crenshaw taking a bubble bath and when you find out that he is MANY different kinds of animals. This book really changed my perspective on life. I highly recommend this book.

I feel like "Crenshaw" had room for so much more potential. I finished the book disappointed that there was not more development and depth. I kept waiting for more and felt disappointed by the end that there was not more to the story. It seemed almost like Crenshaw was an afterthought in a way.

I read it in one sitting to decide if I would read it aloud to my children. I got the book thinking it would be a great way to introduce some reality into my children's lives of how others suffer. But when I finished I knew the book was not one that my kids would be drawn into and able to feel and imagine themselves in Jackson's shoes. In my eyes the book could have been so much more.

It was a very good book. Some parts made you sad because of what a family had to go through, but it was very uplifting too knowing that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You just have to keep your faith and believe.

I read this aloud to my son and we both loved the book. Throughout the book, incidents and character quotes remind us the power of positivity in life. No matter how hard the situations in life seem to be, looking out for the silver lining of hope keeps the reader glued to the book. Gratitude and counting our blessings are the lessons that are reminded to us through this awesome book. Great read and we highly recommend it.

This story gave me a belly ache because families end up homeless every day, and I honestly hate reading anything close to reality before bed. Yet the thought of a giant kitty who enjoys bathing in a tub, helping a child get through such a horrific time? Genius and in an odd way, life affirming. Loved it.

I do a book club with for fifth grade girls during their recess one day a week. They love the book. It has brought forth a lot of good discussion and it is age-appropriate. We have not finished the book but it is easy reading the chapters are short and the storyline is something they can associate with

Read this with my 10 year old. The story is told by 10 year old Jackson, who's family has been homeless before. They are experiencing tough times again, and his old imaginary friend Crenshaw is back to help him deal with his feelings and fears.

Why is it that some people instead of writing a review as to liking or not liking a book, feel the need to tell you all about what the author wrote? That's why we read the book...hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't need to copy parts of the book or narrate it. Just tell us if you liked it or not! If you want to write a book, write your own. And from many reviews for others I'm not the only one that feels this way. Bottom line... if you want to know what the book is about read it. If you want to write a book, this one has already been done. Stop it!

OMG. I loved this book it was amazing. There were twists and turns. One minute they are living in a house and the next they are in a car. I think this book is really good and jackson doesn't know but he needs Crenshaw.

I teach third grade and this book has given my students a look at another life. Most students in my school have not been exposed to this side of life. It is my intent that they can appreciate what they have. They did talk about a homeless man outside one of the local stores and our discussion revolved around Jackson's family. Thanks

Crenshaw is a one of a kind book. Jackdon the main character knows that his damily is in bad shape due to the fact that his dad has a sort of a disease. Jackson and his family are firced to move out of their apartment ( again ) because they can't pay the rent . They end up living in their minivan again. Crenshaw ( Jackson's imaginary friend ) comes back to him because he is in a lot of stress. So this book is basically about how Crenshaw helps Jackson in hard times.

I teach third grade and this book has given my students a look at another life. Most students in my school have not been exposed to this side of life. It is my intent that they can appreciate what they have. They did talk about a homeless man outside one of the local stores and our discussion revolved around Jackson's family. Thanks

Okay first of all this book was not good. My first complaint is that the book was very rushed and way too short. My second complimant is its very predictable and the character's are not created well. Besides for some reson I found the book dark and Crenshaw was disturbing to me and my 10 year old daughter. I just was not liking it at all and am very disappointed!=\