4 stars
A lovely cover that houses some ugly truths about the world. The book deals with many difficult issues including homelessness and hunger from a child’s perspective. Jackson is old enough to partially understand what is happening with his family, but young enough that his parents still want to hide the truth. This is a story about hardship and truth and how to face the world. It is also a story about Crenshaw.
There have been many stories about imaginary friends. One thing I like about this one is Jackson’s reluctance to hold onto his imaginary friend. He doesn’t want Crenshaw around and sees him as another thing to deal with. He wants to grow up and thinks that means leaving his imaginary friend behind. But as the story goes on, Crenshaw’s role and the lore of imaginary friends becomes clear and Jackson learns one’s imaginary friends never really leave.
Crenshaw doesn’t come around and fix all Jackson’s problems. Instead he adds some comic relief to life as well as hinting at some wisdom that Jackson must accept. Though the book deals with very heavy issues, by the end its provides an inspiring message. Everything isn’t fixed, there’s no guarantee that it will all end neatly, but Jackson grows and matures and so does his relationships with his family and friends.
As Jackson tackles struggles and lessons like dealing with adult issues as a child, the importance of truth, and how to cope with difficulties, Crenshaw is a just the imaginary friend Jackson needs. And Crenshaw is just the book to deliver this powerful journey of acceptance.