Crenshaw By Katherine Applegate Book Discussion and Activities Discussion Questions: 1. Jackson says, “Stories are lies, when you get right down to it. And I don’t like being lied to.” Why doesn't Jackson like made-up stories? Why is it important for him to have a logical explanation for everything that happens? 2. When does Crenshaw appear in Jackson’s life? Which events are tied to Crenshaw appearing? 3. Why does Jackson feel different from the other members of his family? Describe scenes in the story where Jackson feels separate from them. Name times in the story when Jackson realizes how important his family is to him. 4. Compare Crenshaw and Aretha in the way they behave. Can Aretha see Crenshaw the way Jackson can? 5. Discuss the theme of friendship in this book. How did Jackson and Marisol become friends? What are their similarities and differences? How does their friendship help each of them? 6. Why does Jackson steal the dog cookie? How does he feel about the times he has stolen from a store? Why does he feel worse about lying than stealing? What makes him ask Crenshaw, “Are you my conscience?” 7. Discuss the theme of magic in this story. What is the meaning of “magic” in the context of Jackson’s life? Why did he want to reveal how the magician's tricks worked? Discuss Marisol’s comment, “Just enjoy the magic while you can, okay?” Extension Activities: 1. Keepsakes - Jackson and Robin choose special possessions to put in their “keepsake bags.” List things that are important to you and explain why these items are meaningful to you. 2. Jackson and Robin choose the books, A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Drauss ​ ​ and The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber. Read these titles ​ ​ and discuss why these books are important to Jackson and Robin. 3. Write a paragraph about your favorite book and why the story is important to you. 4. Jackson and Robin’s parents are musicians, and music is very important to them. They named their children after the companies that made their guitars. They especially like the music of guitarist B. B. King and singer Aretha Franklin. Listen to recordings by both of these performers, and discuss how the music makes them feel. Why are these performers so important to Jackson’s parents? B.B.KING-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYB5vLzEHvI ​ ARETHA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FOUqQt3Kg0 ​ 5. When you have “the Blues”, what songs do you listen to that lift your spirits? Resources: https://www.thebooksomm.com/home/crenshaw ​ https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/teachers-guides/9781250043238TG.pdf .