Crenshaw  

Crenshaw  

Author: Katherine Applegate 

Publisher‏: ‎ HarperCollins Children’s Books; Latest Edition (30 April 2016) 

Language‏: ‎ English 

Paperback‏: ‎ 256 pages 

Reading age ‏: ‎ 10 years and up 

 Katherine Applegate’s Crenshaw is a tale that blends the tangible struggles of childhood with the flights of fancy and easy comfort of young imagination. 

The story follows Jackson, a brilliant and logical fifth grader who believes in science alone and wants to become a scientist when he grows up. 

However, he finds his world crumbling on the edges. With two struggling musicians as parents, his mom working two or three jobs every day, and his father wrestling with the financial and debilitating aspects of Multiple Sclerosis, Jackson’s world is wildly different from his peers. And he knows it. He is not ashamed of it, but he makes conscious efforts to hide it because he knows not everyone has the empathy or inclination to understand it. So, he does the same when his imaginary friend, Crenshaw, who is part dog, part fish, part human and wholly cat, reappears. The looming threat of homelessness is sidelined by a bit by the emergence of Crenshaw—a large, outspoken cat who appears and disappears at will and, though they appear annoying at first, adds unexpected joy to Jackson’s life. 

Applegate paints a vivid picture of Jackson’s family and the financial struggles—the jellybean diet and the games designed to ward off growling, starving, near-empty tummies. Though it is not spelt out in so many words, it is easy to see the weight of financial instability pressing the family down like a heavy cloak. Yet, amidst these challenges, Crenshaw splashes Jackson’s day-to-day existence with splashes of colour. 

The story touches on a handful of themes—the power of friendship, both real and imagined, the importance of facing difficult truths, and loving your family even when it seems the hardest thing to do. 

Crenshaw isn’t just any cat. He’s loud. He is sassy. And he’s determined to help Jackson face his truth. Armed with a no-nonsense attitude and silly antics, Crenshaw is just the friend Crenshaw needs. And because he couldn’t be found in the real world, Jackson’s imagination created him, even though his logical mind struggles to accept it. But then, one day, Jackson comes to accept—both his friend and his actual truth. He understands that there is no need to hide either of them. They are what make him unique and his own person. 

Funny, touching and playful! Applegate doesn’t shy away from exploring actual issues like peer pressure, poverty, and fear of growing up but does it subtly, keeping the target age group in mind. At no place does Jackson’s issue become overwhelming; The playful tone ensures that. 

Crenshaw isn’t just a fabrication of Jackson’s troubled mind. Nor is he an escape. As the story progresses, he reminds us how a little bit of fantasy and imagination can get you through tough times. 

Crenshaw isn’t just a book about an imaginary cat. It’s about finding courage in the unlikeliest of places. Of finding your champions in the most unexpected people. 

Jackson and Crenshaw’s story tugs at the heartstrings but still manages to leave you with a burst of hope and joy in the end. You know that Jackson would be okay even though his problems haven’t magically disappeared. But because now he knows how to cope with them. 

The best message, however, is the core thread that runs throughout the book that, sometimes, the most extraordinary friends are the ones we create ourselves.