Crenshaw

Applegate, K. (2015). Crenshaw. New York: Feiwel and Friends. 

Summary:

Jackson a budding scientist knows what it’s like to be homeless, to live in a minivan, watch your parents lose their jobs.  When he begins to see the signs happening again, he receives a surprise from his past, the return of his imaginary friend Crenshaw. Crenshaw is a large, outspoken cat, who comes into Jackson’s life to help him cope with the situation in front of his eyes.

Evaluative Criteria:

—Theme: The author is able to give readers a novel that focuses  on the power of imagination, family and love. The main character Jackson is going through hard realizations all while trying to accept the hard times facing him and his family.

—Characters: Jackson is a mature and wise young boy who cares deeply for his family. He is struggling to deal with the realization that he and his family are struggling with their financial situation. He tries to protect his younger sister from this fact and it only makes readers love him more. When he begins to see a giant cat that brings a lightheartedness and relief to the story and Jackson’s character.

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