Crenshaw

By: Katherine Applegate

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

In her first novel since winning 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.

©2015 Katherine Applegate (P)2015 Listening Library

Great book and performance!

What a great little book! I had seen this book around and thought it looked interesting. When it appeared on the Maud Hart Lovelace list, I knew it was time to read it. Well in this case - to listen to it. I'm very glad that I did. It's the story of a young boy whose family is facing being homeless again. To help him cope with this his imaginary friend reappears - Crenshaw. I loved Crenshaw. He made me laugh, he made me cry a little and he gave hope. He appears to help Jackson "tell the truth". As the reader and an adult, I pretty much knew the truth he needed to admit to, but watch Jackson learn this himself was so well done. I can see kids gain the understanding that Jackson gains. I can also see kids learning about being homeless and what that means. That is the true heart of this book - helping kids learn about homelessness. It's not the image they might have. People who are homeless might look just like students they sit next to in class. What a strong understanding to gain. This book handles the fact of being homeless in a perfect way for kids because it shows them how it doesn't happen all of a sudden. And it doesn't happen because you are a "bad" person. We talk so much about books needing to be mirrors and windows. This is strong as both. For the kids in my school it would be a window into a world they don't know a lot about. But it would be such a great mirror for kids in the same place as Jackson's family. Well done.

Thoughts on the audiobook: I really enjoyed the audiobooks. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing Crenshaw to life! That was the strongest part of the reading for me!

Final Thoughts: Loved it. So glad I finally read it.
Thoughts on the library: Yes! for the reasons I talked about above.

Great for preteen boys

My struggling preteen son loved it and asked for more. he even asked me to pause it do it could continue as we got out if the car. we are struggling through a divorce and this book said words to him that he didn't want to hear from me.

Life Circumstances are Different for Every Family

Provided great insight for my 11 year olds that children are subject to difficult life circumstances that they could never imagine. I want them to realize how lucky they are and to be compassionate and ready to serve those who may be struggling.

Sad but valuable

What did you like best about this story?

It is okay to be sad. It is okay to be honest with kids. Applegate does a great job bringing you into Jackson as a character.

Very good.

I am 10 years old. I thought it was good, very good, but not the absolute best. Too short! I thought Crenshaw was funny.

Awsome

I love Crenshaw it tell me I was old but I could still believe in the magic for a long time.

In awe

Absolutely wonderful, heartfelt story that will open your eyes and tug on your soul. Beautifully written from a child’s perspective.

About Cranchaw

I really enjoyed Crenshaw it is a great book I really enjoy it but the performance was not the best in my head because the narrator needed to give the words some expression.

i love this book its a 5 star for overall ;)

struggled to finish. it was a pretty good book good job on it love it

Best Friend Forever

This story is amazing. I would read this to my children in the future. Thank you so much.