"Crenshaw" has been chosen as one of the four Read Brave Saint Paul youth books. When Crenshaw, a giant invisible cat, comes to town, Jackson starts fearing the worst. Last time he saw Crenshaw, Jackson's family was living in their car. Jackson has noticed his parents arguing, and now they'e selling most of their belongings. Does this, along with Crenshaw's reappearance, mean they'll be homeless again? A middle-grade perspective shares a maturing boy's struggle with learning hard truths from his parents and himself. Learn more at ReadBrave.org.

a heartwarming story about homelessness, feeling unsafe. and that imaginary friends are not only for kids.

K Applegate ably communicates the mixture of emotion and thought that engulfs a tween who sees his family headed for another period of homelessness. The relationship between the parents and children in the family is wholesome and yet very real as they try to be loving, supportive and honest and yet not create worries for their kids.
I hated to leave this family when the story ended.

Invisible friends--they happen. And they can help us get through some really difficult times in our lives. Meet Crenshaw, the cat--A+ Imaginary Friend

This was a great book. It was sad and suspenseful, and happy and cheerful. The different parts of the book tells about Jackson's past, and present. A nostalgic book!

Good book - JH

I enjoyed this book. It can be pretty heavy stuff for a young reader to handle. As a parent would recommend it strongly for kids and adults. Perhaps, parents and children can use the book have a discussing on topics such as homelessness.

This is a very moving book. It is not a depressing book. However, it's not a light read. I recommend it for early middle school age. The book can be used to discuss real world issues such as homelessness and hunger (for more mature children).

The story is simple and really seems like just a small chapter out of the young boy's life. The family is interesting with flaws. None of the flaws are turn offs, instead they help explain the characters thinking and motives for actions. So even though you don't care for some of the things they do, you understand *why* they choose to do it that way. Which I like because it teaches empathy. Also if you can understand the "why", you're a lot more forgiving of those shortcomings.

Crenshaw the cat, feels more adult than anyone else in the book. If you ever saw the old black and white movie named Harvey with Jimmy Stewart, you'll understand the premise for the imaginary friend. I loved that movie and I loved this book!

I really enjoyed this book nice short and sweet, but with a serious tone to the story. Jackson and his family face the threat of being homeless and living in the car. which happened to them a few years before. Jackson old imaginary friend comes back into his life to help him sort things out. The parentis in this story sort of annoyed me especially the dad but I guess the reader is supposed to feel that way. overall great book who make you want to talk too your childhood imaginary friends again.