Starred review from June 22, 2015
Although he is “not an imaginary friend kind of guy,” rising fifth-grader Jackson recognizes Crenshaw immediately. The cat, who walks on two legs and likes purple jellybeans, first appeared to Jackson three years ago when his family was living in their van. Although life has been stable since then, Jackson notices “Big piles of bills. Parents whispering. Parents arguing. Stuff getting sold.” When he asks his parents if they have “a plan for making everything okay,” they respond with evasive answers like “maybe they could plant a money tree in the back yard.” Newbery Medalist Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) poignantly conveys Jackson’s memory of hunger and homelessness and his realization that both threaten his family again. Certain that he has outgrown Crenshaw, Jackson feels both dismay and wonder that his friend has returned, with his playful, attention-getting antics (taking bubble baths, doing cartwheels and handstands) and thought-provoking answers to Jackson’s questions. This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child’s mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth. Ages 10–14. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties.
March 1, 2016
Gr 4-6-Jackson was seven the last time he saw his bubble-bathing, purple jelly bean-loving friend Crenshaw. But now that Jackson is 10, the oversize imaginary feline explains, "You need a bigger friend now." Jackson and his family must sell everything they can to pay their overdue rent and avoid living in their minivan-again. Jackson knows hunger and daily uncertainty too well. He's shoplifted to feed his (real-life) dog and his younger sister. He can't tell anyone about his dire situation: "Sometimes facts are too hard to share." But with Crenshaw's urging, he'll finally confront his parents with the most difficult conversation of his young life. Applegate here addresses challenging subjects that haunt children forced to grow up too soon. Crenshaw proves to be the perfect, gentle guide: "Imaginary friends are like books. We're created, we're enjoyed, we're dog-eared and creased and then we're tucked away until we're needed again." Narrator Kirby Heyborne keeps perfect pace with Jackson's frustrations and resolve, imbues Crenshaw with whimsy and wisdom, and easily distinguishes the many supporting characters, especially Jackson's best friend Marisol, with deftness and grace. VERDICT An essential acquisition for middle grade collections everywhere. ["A compelling and unflinchingly honest treatment of a difficult topic": SLJ 8/15 starred review of the Feiwel & Friends book.]-Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon, Washington, DC
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