CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate
HARDCOVER
Author: Katherine Applegate
CRENSHAW is a gentle, powerful novel about family, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to face hard truths. Jackson and his family are struggling - money is scarce, food is limited, and the threat of homelessness hangs over them once again. Jackson tries to cope by pretending everything is fine, even when it clearly isn’t.
Enter Crenshaw: a large, outspoken, imaginary cat who reappears just when Jackson needs him most. Crenshaw offers honesty, humour, and comfort, helping Jackson confront his fears and the reality of his family’s situation. Through their conversations, the story explores how imagination can be a source of strength rather than escape.
Katherine Applegate writes with warmth and clarity, making difficult themes such as poverty and insecurity accessible without being overwhelming. The language is simple but emotionally rich, allowing readers to connect deeply with Jackson’s experience.
Crenshaw is an uplifting and memorable book that shows how love, honesty, and friendship - real or imagined - can help us get through even the hardest times.