Written by Katherine Applegate
My seven year old daughter gave me this book for Christmas and the two of us read this together, and she ended up using this book for a book report in her class. The book was very well written and had just the right combination of meaningful deep thinking topics with imagination and silliness. While the silliness kept us laughing and excited to continue reading, the deep ideas about homelessness, life’s difficulties, and the importance of family and friend support are wonderfully combined with the use of the unwanted imaginary friend, leading us to have wonderful and interesting conversations.
Review by Harry Springmeyer, Teacher, Mill Creek Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-8
Crenshaw was a good book dealing with a hard topic of falling on hard times and getting through them, of fears of homelessness and unemployment of a Dad. I love how the cat puts things into perspective and encourages Jackson to “Tell the truth to the person that matters most. You.”
I think students will enjoy the book if someone introduces the book to them through a book talk or review type experience, or even a teacher read aloud.
Review by Barbara Lowe, Teacher, Mill Creek Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-8
Crenshaw
Written by Katherine Applegate
Feiwel and Friends
245 pages
Release Date: September 22, 2015
I just read this book. I thought it was a very sad story about homelessness and unemployment.