Crenshaw

Jackson is a young boy who values facts and logic, but his family faces the constant threat of homelessness. As his parents struggle to pay rent and food runs low, Jackson’s childhood imaginary friend, a large, sarcastic cat named Crenshaw, reappears. The story follows Jackson as he navigates the stress of living in a minivan and visiting food pantries while trying to stay grounded in reality. Crenshaw provides companionship and a way for Jackson to process his fear of an uncertain future.

Middle-grade readers find this book useful for understanding how poverty and housing instability affect families. It is intended for children and parents who want to discuss difficult economic realities without sugarcoating the logistical hardships of being poor. Readers walk away with a clear picture of how a child survives emotional distress through imagination. The book provides a look at the tension between a child's need for honesty and a parent’s desire to protect their children from adult problems.

Clear-cut and thought-provoking; an easy read.

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