In most cases, this would echo those awful 1970s "problem novels" written for YOUNG PEOPLE and would be preachy and didactic. Katherine Applegate avoids that by dealing with homelessness in a soft, gentle way, as voiced by our engaging protagonist, Jackson. Ms. Applegate doesn't overstate things, or hammer them in, she simply lets the voice of Jackson speak, and his voice feels real and warm. The choice to include a touch of magical realism here is also delightful. It may be symbolism or metaphor, but whatever Crenshaw actually is, or isn't, doesn't really matter. The point, which is subtle, is that we all struggle, and with that struggle comes some universality, namely that we all need help from time to time. Did I wish, every now and then, that the prose was just a touch less sparse? Well, yes, but this book, as it is, will be very accessible to anyone who might want to approach the subject of homelessness in a way that even younger children will understand well. It's sweet without being saccarin, charming without being overt. It's a fast read you can get through in one or two sittings and it is the kind of story kids may want to read more than once. Brava.
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