Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

*Book overview from Barnes and Noble Website*

In her first novel since The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience.

Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.

Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?

Beloved author Katherine Applegate proves in unexpected ways that friends matter, whether real or imaginary.

***

Out of any book I’ve read regarding the topic of poverty, I think this one my favorites. No, actually, I know it’s my favorite. I love the way the book explores the main character’s thoughts. Jackson is a young boy who is very aware of his family’s issues dealing with money. We see how he uses Crenshaw, his imaginary friend as a coping mechanism. This book really captures what it could be like for some children to deal with big family issues. It made me sad to see how Jackson felt like he had to grow up so quickly, but it was also cute to see how he protected his little sister from what was going on in the family. He didn’t want her to be hurt as much as he had been.

***

This book really gives the reader a good idea of what it would be like in Jackson’s shoes. I like how the author focused more on the children and how they struggled rather than how the parents were handling things. If a child picked this up, it would be much easier to relate to the child rather than the parents. Crenshaw is cute and accessible to children. Jackson’s imaginary friend makes this story come alive and really shows the depth of an issue such as poverty.

My rating: *****

~I love how accessible this book is. I think anyone could learn something from Jackson's experience, and it's even written in a tasteful way.