Book details
Katherine Applegate - Author
A family under financial pressure is at the heart of this story. Jackson’s imaginary cat brings humour and companionship as he faces the possibility that his family’s housing troubles may return.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: What might help Jackson and his parents speak openly while still caring for one another?
How the book presents it: The imaginary-friend structure places a comic, imaginative presence alongside Jackson’s difficult circumstances.
Talk about: What does Crenshaw offer Jackson as he tries to understand what is happening?
The book gives a child’s perspective on poverty without presenting hardship as shameful or hopeless. It may help families talk about how money troubles affect children as well as adults.
Food insecurity and possible homelessness are described directly: the children sometimes go without meals, and the family may again live in their minivan. These circumstances may prompt questions or feel close to home.
If Jackson’s parents try to protect the children from the family’s situation, what do you think Jackson needs from them—and what might make an honest conversation difficult?
Consider reading together or checking in afterwards: the story’s humour sits alongside serious worries about housing, food and family finances. Let the child set the pace for discussing those subjects.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Limited information
Checked: 2 October 2026.
Relevant to: Imagination and a child’s perspective
Limited information
Checked: 2 October 2026.
Relevant to: Imagination and a child’s perspective
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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