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Crenshaw

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Katherine Applegate

Crenshaw

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

540L

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Super Short Summary

In Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, Jackson, a fact-loving boy from a financially unstable family, grapples with the return of his childhood imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a human-sized cat. As his family's struggles deepen, Jackson learns to balance reality with imagination, confronts the importance of honesty, and finds comfort in the presence of Crenshaw while aiming to understand life's uncertainties. Themes of poverty and homelessness are present.

Emotional

Bittersweet

Fantastical

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

44,015 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate blends elements of magic realism and heartfelt storytelling, resonating with readers through its portrayal of childhood struggles and imagination. Reviews praise its empathetic and touching narrative, though some feel its treatment of serious issues may be too understated. Overall, it's celebrated for its emotional depth and relatable characters.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Crenshaw?

Readers who enjoy heartwarming, imaginative stories with themes of friendship and resilience, akin to those in Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson or The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, will find Crenshaw engaging. Suitable for middle-grade readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and realistic fiction.

4.3

44,015 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

540L

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