Ahoy there me mateys! This was an audiobook that I picked up for two reasons: 1) the author previously won the Newbery Medal and 2) it has a giant cat on the cover.
The cat was supposed to be both invisible and magic. I had assumed that the story would be lighthearted and that the cat and little boy would get into all kinds of adventures. This book had a way more serious tone. It was about a struggling boy named Jackson. His mom lost her job and his dad has MS. They are poor and about to lose their home . . . again. His parents continue to treat every situation with an upbeat attitude. Jackson knows the problem is serious and doesn’t know how to make his parents tell him the truth about their circumstances.
Like how Harvey the rabbit is a sign of alcoholism, Crenshaw is a sign of troubled times. One of the more interesting points of this book is that Crenshaw doesn’t magically fix things. He is more of a sounding board and a solid presence in Jackson’s life. A friend. Only, in the beginning, Jackson thinks he is going insane because why should he be seeing a giant talking cat that he thought was an imaginary friend he left back in kindergarten.
I enjoyed the fact that Jackson is going through self-discovery and that the cat doesn’t magically fix the parents’ situation. The cat is a background personality for the most part and much of his involvement is through flashbacks. I loved that Jackson had loving parents who did want the best for their children. I loved silly Crenshaw. This was a wonderful story, dealing with the effects of poverty, friendship, family, and resilience. I will certainly be reading more of Katherine Applegate’s work.
Side note: The narrator, Kirby Heyborne, did a wonderful job!
Goodreads has this to say about the novel:
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?
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I was just about to ask if you’ve ever read a Katherine Applegate book lol They tend to have heavier tones. I’ve read The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree. Both I’d recommend 🙂
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Both of those are on me list now. I am glad ye liked them.
x The Captain
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This is one I want to read. I’ve always wanted to because of the cover, but have been procrastinating. I’ll pick it up on my next library visit.
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Oh good. I can’t wait to read yer review. Hope it’s a wonderful read for ye too!
x The Captain
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It sure does sound that it was way more serious, but it also sounds so good! Nice review, Captain!
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I have to admit that I am glad that I was wrong about this one and that it was more serious. Thanks fer the comment matey!
x The Captain
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This sounds really good. So glad that you enjoyed it so much.
Lynn 😀
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Thanks matey!
x The Captain
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I have a copy of this on my shelf and have been meaning to read it for ages. This book sounds amazing. I love how mature “children’s” literature has become. There’s so much more diversity, real issues, and story depth than when I was a kid.
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This was the type of read I continue to think about way after finishing it. I am interested to see yer thoughts once ye get around to it.
x The Captain
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I love when that happens. I thought “pure Hollywood” was going to be a book about celebrities.
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I thought it was about that too! I think I might have missed that review of yours. Off to check it out.
x The Captain
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