BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSJackson is a fourth grader who loves facts, wants to be an animal scientist, and has zero interest in pretend or make-believe. So when a giant talking cat named Crenshaw shows up at the beach, surfboarding without a care, Jackson is more than a little rattled. He invented Crenshaw as an imaginary friend when he was seven, back when his family lived in their minivan after losing their house, but he thought those days were long behind him. Now his family is running out of food again, selling furniture to pay rent, and whispering in the kitchen after the kids are in bed. Jackson can read the signs, and Crenshaw keeps reappearing in the bathtub, on the TV screen, and in his room whether Jackson wants him there or not.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Crenshaw
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Crenshaw. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a boy yank the paw off a mall Easter Bunny?
✓ Answer
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Little Jackson hates being lied to in Crenshaw, so when it is his turn to pose he yanks the paw right off, finds a man's hand inside, and shouts that the man is not a rabbit. The mall manager makes the family leave, and Jackson never gets his free basket of candy eggs.
- First half
In what book does a cat dry himself with a faded pink Hello Kitty towel?
✓ Answer
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
After his bubble bath in Crenshaw, Jackson hands the giant imaginary cat a towel that belongs to his little sister Robin. The cat tosses it aside and decides a good old-fashioned shake works better anyway.
- First half
In what book does a boy turn a flat Wal-Mart TV box into a sleeping cocoon?
✓ Answer
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Jackson invents his own private space inside the family minivan in Crenshaw by smushing a cardboard TV box flat and slipping his sleeping bag inside. It gives him a tiny illusion of having his own room again.
- Second half
In what book does a dad busk on a street corner with a smiling-fish sign?
✓ Answer
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Jackson draws the smiling fish in a canoe to replace his dad's plain THANK YOU sign in Crenshaw. His dad takes the new sign back to the same corner the next afternoon and earns a much better haul.
- Second half
In what book does a brother shoplift jars of baby food chicken and rice for his sister?
✓ Answer
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Jackson in Crenshaw slips two jars of Gerber into his pockets at Safeway because his five-year-old sister still likes the stinky meat kind. He confesses later that the lying afterward felt worse than the stealing.
- Near the end
In what book does a boy finally tell his best friend his family has been hungry?
✓ Answer
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Jackson has hidden his family's money troubles from Marisol for years in Crenshaw. When his giant imaginary friend whispers in his ear that the truth matters, he finally lets the words come out.
