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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 is reading Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. — Marshmallow is reading *Crenshaw* by Katherine Applegate.

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%.

Marshmallow rates Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate 97%. — Marshmallow rates *Crenshaw* by Katherine Applegate 97%.

Marshmallow reviews Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson

Marshmallow has already reviewed Chains and Forge, the first two books of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Seeds of America trilogy. Today she completes the trilogy by reviewing Ashes, the third and last book, first published in 2016.

Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you like historical fiction or emotional roller coasters, or if you have enjoyed reading the first two books of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Seeds of America trilogy, then this might be the book for you.

Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): This book starts a few years after the events of Forge. You might recall that it is the late 1700s (the time of the American Revolution), and Isabel is a runaway slave, who has been searching for her younger sister, Ruth. At age seven, Ruth was sold away and separated from her. Eventually, with her friend Curzon, Isabel escaped from her “owners” and set out to find her sister.

After many trials, hardships, and travels, Isabel and Curzon finally reach the area where Ruth might be living, in South Carolina. Isabel and Curzon’s friendship is in peril; they are both unsure of its future. The two have learned through several ordeals that, as former slaves, nowhere is safe for them. But after all of this, Isabel finds her sister living on a farm. Overjoyed, Isabel runs to her, only to find that her sister doesn’t recognize her.

We learn with Isabel that Ruth has been living with Mister Walter and Missus Serafina, an older couple who have raised her as their own. Isabel is grateful for their generosity but is heartbroken. When questioned further, Ruth admits to remembering Isabel but says that she is not her sister anymore, and that Isabel should go home.

Luckily, Mister Walter and Missus Serafina invite Isabel and Curzon to stay a while. There, they learn that the plantation that Ruth and the couple worked on was raided by Patriots and the owner left to go after them. After a second Patriot raid, many of the slaves on the plantation fled, but Mister Walter and Missus Serafina physically couldn’t run away. This is why Ruth stayed on the plantation. Another boy named Aberdeen tried to run away but was caught and brought back.

Isabel is still in shock from Ruth’s rejection of her when the plantation owner Prentiss returns. Mister Walter and Missus Serafina send Isabel, Curzon, Ruth, and Aberdeen away and tell them to run. Once again, Isabel is forced to confront a cruel world and must protect her sister from danger.

Marshmallow is reading Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson. — Marshmallow is reading *Ashes* by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Marshmallow’s Review: Ashes makes a good ending to the Seeds of America trilogy. Like Chains, the first book of the series, it is narrated by Isabel. Ashes is a true emotional roller coaster, with ups and downs that keep you reading until the end.

The character development in this story is remarkable and adds to the depth of the plot of the book. Laurie Halse Anderson is very skilled at showing the external struggles faced by the characters and is very adept at weaving in the characters’ internal conflicts. We can see the development of Isabel’s feelings for Curzon change from pure friendship to romance, and the transition seems convincing.

The writing reflects the style of that period and accurately (I think) portrays life in that time. Also, just like she had done in the first two books, the author regularly includes quotes from real documents from the time of the Revolutionary War to provide some historical context. However, everything is still understandable and the book itself is very readable.

All in all, I appreciated the chance to read these three books and would recommend them wholeheartedly to other young bunnies interested in understanding the people and the events at the beginning of the United States as a nation.

Marshmallow’s Rating: 100%.

Marshmallow rates Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson 100%. — Marshmallow rates *Ashes* by Laurie Halse Anderson 100%.

Caramel reviews Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar

Caramel is systematically going through Stuart Gibbs’s Spy School series. So far he has read and reviewed the first two books: Spy School and Spy Camp. He has also read and reviewed the graphic novel version of the first book: Spy School: The Graphic Novel. Today he talks to Sprinkles about the graphic novel version of the second book, Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel, published first in 2023.

Sprinkles: So Caramel you reviewed Spy Camp last week. And now you will tell us a bit about the graphic novel version of that book, right?

Caramel: Yes.

S: So let’s get started.

C: Sure. This book is essentially the same as the original book.

S: But usually in graphic novel versions, there are some parts that are shortened or completely taken out. How about this one?

C: Yes of course. There are some parts that we do not see in the graphic novel version, but the main story is essentially the same. Ben Ripley goes to a summer camp for spies. And dangerous things happen. So it is very much the same book. And it is still very good.

S: That is great! So I saw that the person who illustrated this one is the same person who illustrated the graphic novel version of the first book. So do the characters look like they did in that first graphic novel?

C: Yes.

S: So someone could just pick this up right after finishing the other book and they would be just fine.

C: Essentially, yes.

Caramel is reading Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar. — Caramel is reading *Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel* by Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar.

S: Okay, so I think the characters did not look like what you had thought they would look like in that first book. But by now, maybe you got used to them?

C: Yes.

S: So tell me a bit more about the illustrations.

C: They are very colorful and they show action really well. Like when they are pointing at something. And the facial expressions are very expressive.

S: That is cool. I know you have read a lot of graphic novels in your short life, so if you had not read the actual books, do you think you would still think these graphic novels are good books?

C: I think so. They can definitely stand on their own.

S: So would you recommend someone to start with the graphic novels? Or do you think the original books are worth reading too?

C: If you can I think you should probably start with the original books. But if you have only the graphic novels you can still have a lot of fun reading. Only the graphic novels are much newer, and the original series has a lot more books.

S: True. There are about eleven books I think. And there are graphic novel versions of only the first two.

C: Yes. And it seems like they are coming out one book a year. At best. But the series has a lot more books to read.

S: Kind of like the Wings of Fire books, then, where there is a whole series of fifteen books, but the graphic novels are not all out yet.

C: Yup. And you know I have been waiting for the next graphic novel. It will be Winter Turning, the graphic novel version of the seventh novel.

S: I think it is coming out at the end of this year, Caramel. I am guessing that you will read it as soon as it does.

C: I’d like to.

S: Okay, so let us come back to Spy Camp. So if you were to describe it in three words, what would you say?

C: Colorful, hilarious adventures.

S: That works! So are you ready for the next book?

C: Yes! Book Three, here I come!!

S: So let us wrap this up then. What would you like to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel loved reading Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar, and he is ready to dive into the third book of the Spy School novels! — Caramel loved reading *Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel* by Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar, and he is ready to dive into the third book of the Spy School novels!

Caramel reviews Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs

Caramel has recently begun the Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs and just can’t have enough! So far he has read and reviewed the original book, Spy School, from 2012, and the graphic novel version of it, Spy School: The Graphic Novel, which came out ten years later, in 2022. Today he talks about the second book in the series, Spy Camp, originally published in 2013. As usual, Sprinkles is taking notes and asking followup questions.

Sprinkles: So Caramel, you only recently discovered the Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs, and since then, you are inseparable from these books! So why don’t you tell us about this second book in the series?

Caramel: Okay. Ben Ripley learns that he has to go to a spy summer camp.

S: This is the same main character as before, right?

C: Yep.

S: Okay, so do his parents finally realize he is going to a spy school? Do they know the camp is a spy camp?

C: No. They think the camp is just a regular sleep-away camp.

S: Okay, so tell me more. What happens at the camp?

C: It is like spy school but it is more in the wilderness. The spy school was more urban.

S: I see. Does Ben have friends from spy school at the camp?

C: Yes. Zoe, Chip, and Jawa are three of Ben’s friends from school. Also there is Erica Hale, she is the daughter of Alexander Hale and the granddaughter of Cyrus Hale. And if you go many many generations back apparently she is related to Nathan Hale, who was a famous spy for the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War.

S: So she is spy royalty more or less.

C: Yep. And Ben really likes her.

S: Do they date?

C: He has a crush on her, but no they do not date. They are mostly friends.

Caramel is reading Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs. — Caramel is reading *Spy Camp* by Stuart Gibbs.

S: Okay, so you told us about Cyrus and Alexander, Erica’s grandpa and father. Do they play an important role in this book?

C: Yes, but I cannot tell. But I can tell you that Cyrus is a mighty spy. Or I might say, he is a force to reckon with.

S: Hmm that is an interesting turn of phrase Caramel! Okay, so tell me, is this book as funny as the first one?

C: Yes. And just as exciting!

S: Okay, so I am guessing the first two words you would use to describe the book would be “hilarious” and “exciting”?

C: Yep.

S: How about a third word?

C: Hilarious, exciting, and adventurous.

S: Okay, so are you ready for book three?

C: No. I will first read the graphic novel version of this one, I think.

S: Okay, sounds good. So let us wrap up this review then. What would you like to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel loved reading Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs and is (almost) ready for book three! (He says he will first check out the graphic novel version of book two.) — Caramel loved reading *Spy Camp* by Stuart Gibbs and is (almost) ready for book three! (He says he will first check out the graphic novel version of book two.)