Lessons in Poverty with Crenshaw on Book Talk Thursday

Poverty. We all have students who fall into that category. Many people complain because they feel that people must work to get what we all have. But it's hard. And the book Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate shows us all what it means for many families who live n poverty. {Affiliate links provided to fund future book purchases.}

Book Summary

It's tough times for Jackson and his family as they encounter hardships they have faced before. They have packed up their prized possessions and are ready to become homeless again. As they work through this, Jackson's imaginary friend, Crenshaw shows up in his life. The thing is - Crenshaw is a cat...a large cat. Jackson doesn't want Crenshaw around, but he realizes that he needs him as someone to confide in when no one else understands. It's a great lesson in friendship and understanding.

Classroom Application

Whether you have a group of students who live in poverty or not, every child can learn a lesson from Crenshaw. Students who live in poverty will gain some comfort in knowing that they are not alone. And students who don't live in poverty can understand that sometimes circumstances make life difficult for others. Despite what society says, many people in poverty don't accept hand outs and work hard for what they do have. Everyone learns when they read Crenshaw!