Love That Dog

Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog. Joanna Cotler Books, 2001. ISBN-10: 0-06029289-X


Plot Summary
Jack has to write a poetry journal for Miss Stretchberry's class. His very first poem says, "I don't want to/ because/ don't write poetry./ Girls do." Grudgingly, Jack writes poems, mimicking the styles of the poems they read in class. He writes "So much depends/ upon/ a blue car/ splattered with mud/ speeding down the road." When his teacher asks, why? Jack is hesitant to say, but slowly, through a series of poems the story emerges. Jack tells the story of his dog, meanwhile learning about poetry.

Critical evaluation
The story is told through Jack's journal. While the reader never sees the teacher's words, Jack's responses make it obvious what the teacher has said. For example, Jack writes, "Yes, I used to have a pet./ I don't want to write about it." It is clear through his writing that Jack is learning to enjoy poetry, and although he is a little embarrassed, he is proud when his teacher asks to put his poems up on the board. Love That Dog is a touching story about a boy and his dog- a pure love that kids will relate to, even if they struggle with other themes of poetry. This book is also a good way to teach poetry, since all of the poems referenced (The Red Wheelbarrow, Love that Boy, etc.) appear at the end.

Readers Annotations
When Jack has to write a poetry journal for school he is hesitant. But with his teacher's encouragement and the example of famous poets, Jack begins to write the story of his dog.

Information About the Author
Sharon Creech is the author of Newberry Medal winner Walk Two Moons, in addition to Love That Dog. She is married and has two grown children.

Genre
Poetry



Curriculum Ties
Poetry

Booktalking Ideas
Talk about dogs, and one's love for dogs

Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 4-7

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
School Library Journal Best Books of 2001.
Recommended reading for many elementary and middle schools.

Why Book Included
Appeared on a list of recommended titles for 5th and 6th graders, published by the Sacramento Public Library