Crenshaw Reading Comprehension Questions
by Katherine Applegate
Book Summary
Jackson's family is facing hard times again, struggling with money and the possibility of losing their home. At this difficult moment, his imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a giant, talking cat, reappears after years. Jackson, who is now ten, feels too old for an imaginary friend and is reluctant to accept Crenshaw's help. However, Crenshaw helps Jackson understand and confront the truth about his family's financial struggles, encouraging him to speak up and find courage in a challenging situation.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Crenshaw.
1.What kind of animal is Jackson's imaginary friend, Crenshaw?
2.What is Jackson's family struggling with at the beginning of the story?
3.What did Jackson's family do the last time Crenshaw appeared?
4.Why do you think Jackson was embarrassed by Crenshaw's return at first?
5.What does Crenshaw mean when he says imaginary friends come back when you need them most?
6.How does Jackson's feeling about Crenshaw change from the beginning to the end of the story?
7.What important lesson does Jackson learn about honesty in the story?
8.What is a main message the author wants you to understand about facing challenges?
9.How can you tell that Jackson's parents were relieved after he confronted them about their financial struggles?
10.What does the word 'meager' mean in the sentence: 'Jackson noticed their dinners were becoming more meager, with less food for everyone'?
11.If something is 'scarce', like food in Jackson's house, what does that mean?
12.What does it mean to 'confront' someone, as Crenshaw encouraged Jackson to do with his parents?
13.If you were Jackson, how would you feel about Crenshaw reappearing in your life when you're ten years old? Would you be happy, annoyed, or something else?
14.What is one way Jackson's family could work together to help with their financial problems, based on what you read?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Crenshaw to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Crenshaw with children.
What was your favorite part of Crenshaw? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Crenshaw, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Crenshaw make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Crenshaw to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Katherine Applegate wanted young readers to learn from this story?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Crenshaw?
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate is recommended for grades 1-3 readers with an AR level of 4.3. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Crenshaw?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Crenshaw, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Crenshaw for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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