Crenshaw

 Applegate, K. (2015). Crenshaw. New York, NY: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. 

Crenshaw is a story about a boy and his family who are struggling to make enough money to pay their rent. The boy, Jackson, begins to see his old imaginary friend, Crenshaw, who is a giant talking cat. Crenshaw is there to help Jackson talk to his parents about what is going on. At first, Jackson believes he's going crazy,  but he soon realizes that Crenshaw is there to help him be brave through this difficult time. Jackson soon finds the courage to tell his parents that he hates not having money, being hungry, and how he feels about losing his home. 

When I read Crenshaw for the first time it made me think about my own students who may not have enough money for food and clothing. Homelessness is a reality that many families face in the United States. I believe many young readers could relate to the character Jackson, and how he struggled to come to terms with the fact he may be homeless again for the second time in his life. As a reader you empathize with the character and you're hoping that there's light at the end of the tunnel.