2017 CCBA Nominee
Need more hankies. This sweet CCBA nominee follows 5th grader Jackson, whose imaginary friend Crenshaw reappears unexpectedly in his life. When Crenshaw (a cat) came around the first time, he was cat-sized, and faded away as Jackson outgrew him. This time, Crenshaw is huge, and Jackson is annoyed. Crenshaw is unconcerned -- imaginary friends only appear when their friends need them, so Jackson must be in need. And boy is he ever. His family fell on hard times a few years back when his mother lost her job and his father was diagnosed with MS. They spent 14 weeks living in their minivan (with sister Robin, dog Aretha, and Crenshaw), and are struggling financially once more. As the family faces hunger, uncertainty, and homelessness, Crenshaw gently nudges Jackson to do the right thing, and to accept a little magic in his life.
This is a terrific middle grade book that covers pretty heavy topics with sensitivity but never treacle. I love how the book shows how any family can be one misfortune, one diagnosis, one layoff away from desperate financial straits. The book looks humiliation in the face and examines how it can touch families. Jackson is a facts guy. He doesn't have the time for imaginary friend nonsense. He sees through his parents' brave faces and jokey optimism and responds both with compassion and with anger. Crenshaw is as aloof as you'd expect a cat to be, but what he shares about imaginary friends touches you someplace deep. I was reminded of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, and touched by how devoted the friends are to their conjurors and companions.
No comments:
Post a Comment