Marshmallow reviews Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Marshmallow and Caramel both loved Katherine Applegate’s 2012 book The One and Only Ivan; Marshmallow even reviewed it for the book bunnies blog. She has also reviewed Willodeen by the same author. Today she writes about Crenshaw, a 2015 novel by Applegate.

Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you like books about family, friends, magic, or growing up, or if you have enjoyed other books by Katherine Applegate, then this might be the book for you. 

Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): Jackson’s family is having financial issues so much so that he and his sister Robin invent games to slowly savor the small amount of food they have. Their parents are clearly nervous about their financial situation but try to hide it from the kids. Jackson is a no-nonsense kind of kid; he wants the facts, as hard and cold as they may be. He finds it annoying, insulting almost, that his parents are trying to hide their troubles or dismiss them as small or insignificant.

Jackson most fears losing their house. When he was younger (around the time he was in first grade), his family lost their house. His father, who worked jobs requiring physical labor, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and so they had to live in their van for fourteen months. Thankfully, they could eventually move into an apartment. But now, they are once again facing financial difficulties and a seemingly impending eviction, so Jackson feels overwhelmed.

One night, his imaginary friend Crenshaw reappears. Crenshaw is a large black-and-white cat who has fingers, can talk, and likes bubble baths and purple jelly beans. Fittingly, Jackson rediscovers Crenshaw while he is taking a bubble bath. Most kids would be happy, perhaps comforted, to see their old imaginary friend from their younger years. Jackson, however, is most displeased. He does not want Crenshaw here and now for several reasons. First, he thinks he is going insane. Secondly, he thinks it is childish. And finally, he thinks it forebodes and perhaps guarantees that his family will lose their home and become homeless again. This is because Crenshaw first appeared right after Jackson’s family became homeless the first time. He fears that Crenshaw’s reappearance is a telling sign. So he forces Crenshaw out, physically (out of his house) and mentally.

But this does not stop their eviction. Even though his parents work hard to fix their financial situation, selling almost all of their possessions, Jackson and his family find themselves kicked out of their home and are forced to live once more in their van. Jackson doesn’t know where he will go to the bathroom next, when or where his next meal will be, or even if he will be able to stay in his school. Can he and his family survive a life full of instability and insecurity? 

Marshmallow’s Review: I think Crenshaw is a very good book. It depicts a very sad portrait of what a disturbingly high number of children’s lives look like today. The adversity and challenges that Jackson and his family face was actually based on the lives of children the author (Katherine Applegate) met. Jackson and his family’s situation is all too painfully real for too many people today.

This book is moving. The development of the characters and plot is expertly done. The uncertainty of Jackson’s life is evident throughout the book and is conveyed very well to the reader.

I think that Crenshaw is an important book for all people, regardless of age, to read. I think that everyone needs to read this book, so understanding and empathy would increase for those going through a difficult time similar to the one faced by the characters in this book.

I have enjoyed reading some of Katherine Applegate’s other books (you can read my reviews of The One and Only Ivan and Willodeen) and felt that this one had a similar writing “voice”: soft yet powerful at the same time. The simple storytelling makes it an accessible read for all ages and experience levels. There is no violence, sexual content, foul language, or other things that would make this book inappropriate for younger readers; so simply put, anyone of any age could read and like this book. 

The main point I would make was that I felt that the titular character of Crenshaw was not seen as much as one could have liked or expected. However, the development of themes (like the magical aspects of life versus the determinedly logical mind of Jackson, or the idea of family forever) was very well done.

I love the cover photo and think the title is very clever. The title for the copy I read is white, but appears to have a 2D fur-like texture. In summary, I really enjoyed reading Crenshaw and would recommend it to all. 

Marshmallow’s Rating: 97%.