I read Crenshaw over two years ago. In fact, it was one of my top reads of 2020, and it’s a story that has stayed with me since then, a story I think about often because of its portrayal of friendship, loneliness and vulnerability.
Crenshaw is the story of a boy, Jackson, and a giant cat. What role can a giant cat have in the life of a boy who loves facts? How can Jackson reconcile his need for truth with the … fact … that he has an imaginary friend? I’m waiting to share this beautiful story with my book club!
Book Discussion - Imaginary Friends
Do you have an imaginary friend? Have you ever had an imaginary friend? Children make up all kinds of companions; after all, that’s what dolls and toys are for. I’d love to know what characteristics they give either temporary or more permanent imaginary creatures in their lives.
Words, Books, and More
As always, the advantage of reading a popular book that is often used in schools and book clubs is the wealth of activities I can find online. We’ll play word games and discuss the keepsakes Jackson and Robin treasure – the books A Hole is to Dig and The House on East 88th Street. If time permits, we’ll read excerpts from these two books too and talk about why the children in the story treasure them.
Poetry
What I love most about Katherine Applegate’s writing is her simple, poetic style. It makes each emotion come alive, hitting all the right spots. Can we write poetry like this? During the creative writing class for Crenshaw, we will try to write a list poem in free verse about someone in our lives whom we treasure.
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