Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Have you ever had an invisible friend?  Jackson does.  It's a big cat that he's named Crenshaw.  He was around when Jackson's family was homeless before and it looks like it might happen again.  So Crenshaw is back...

Macmillan's Chilren's Publishing Group and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published September 22nd.  

This is the story of a young boy who is worried.  Since his father has developed MS, he's not able to hold a regular job anymore.  His mother is holding three jobs.  He's even walking dogs for some extra funds.  But it's just not enough.  He doesn't want to be homeless anymore.  He doesn't want to leave his friends.  But what's he to do?  Crenshaw comes back into his life to help him decide.

The story makes you think about how many people you know but don't realize they don't have enough to eat.  Or enough to pay the rent.  Jackson's father has pride and doesn't like to take the free help available.  But sometimes there's no choice.

Things do work out for Jackson and his family.  At least for now.  Let's hope for forever.

Macmillan is doing a nationwide "Fight Hunger with Crenshaw" campaign.  Read about here:  Crenshaw.  This is an easy way to do some good for those who have less.  Why not make Crenshaw happy?