Common Sense Media Review
By Jan Carr
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pitch-perfect story about boy and family facing hard times.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say that the book effectively introduces complex themes such as economic hardship and homelessness in a way that is accessible for children aged 8 to 10. While many appreciate the comedic relief provided by the title character, some find the plot slow and lacking depth, leading to mixed feelings about its overall engagement and educational value.
- educational themes
- accessible content
- mixed engagement
- comedic relief
- slow plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the book is a combination of heartfelt themes and comfort that resonates deeply with readers, especially those experiencing hardship. Many praise the imaginative character of Crenshaw, who serves as a guide for the main character, Jackson, through difficult times, while also highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy in relation to struggles like homelessness.
- comforting themes
- imaginative character
- relatable story
- uplifting message
- teaches empathy
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CRENSHAW, Jackson, the young narrator, is facing homelessness. His dad has multiple sclerosis, and after both parents are laid off from full-time work, they take a series of part-time jobs too-low paying to meet the rent. Because this happened before, when Jackson was in first grade, he's anxious and even more unnerved when the imaginary friend he had then, a giant cat named Crenshaw, returns. Is he going crazy? When his parents try to shield the kids from harsh reality, Crenshaw advises Jackson, "Tell the truth to the person who matters most. You."
Is It Any Good?
This moving story of a boy facing hard times is pitch-perfect, never shying away from his family's hard economic realities, and is told in a voice that rings true and is gently laced with wry humor. When Jackson describes how his family had to live out of their van for 14 weeks, the detail is vivid: They washed their clothes in rest-stop bathrooms; the family ate burned pancakes discarded by a diner. But Jackson's family is loving, if struggling, and readers will enjoy Jackson's take on the situation and get how disturbing it is for him to have to deal with a giant cat only he can see.
Author Katherine Applegate is sensitive to the family's vulnerability as they're pushed to the economic edge because of health problems and layoffs. Her finely tuned portrayal of the musician parents, apprehensive narrator, and endearingly transparent 5-year-old sister (who knocks on her brother's door, worried that her parents are going to sell her trash can), is both heartbreaking and life-affirming.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about money worries. Why is Jackson's family in trouble? Do you ever worry that your family is having a hard time?
Why does Jackson's imaginary friend from earlier childhood visit when Jackson is in fifth grade? Why do you think stories about imaginary friends are popular? Which others have you read?
Why does Crenshaw advise Jackson to tell the truth to himself and his family? Does it help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel and Friends
- Publication date : September 22, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate