Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Creech, Sharon. (2001). Love that dog. New York, NY: Joanna Cotler Books.

Jack does not want to write poetry, that's something girls do.  He tried it and he just can't, his brain is empty.  Jack exhibits all the thoughts and feelings many students experience when the unit on poetry inevitably begins.  As his teacher continues to share a variety of poems each day, and Jack contemplates each one, we see him slowly start to come around.  With some encouragement and a bit of flattery from his teacher, he also begins to gain more confidence in himself as a poet.  Then when poet Walter Dean Myers makes an appearance at his school, we know Jack is hooked.

What might appeal to a reader in your library?

This novel is a quick read, written as a free verse journal, and I think students, especially males and reluctant writers, would be able to relate to the main character.  Jack doesn’t write poetry; he says that’s for girls.  He doesn’t even understand half the poems his teacher shares in class.  But through simply jotting his thoughts down on paper and some encouragement from his teacher, he comes to realize that he has more to say and share than he thought, and this poetry stuff really isn’t so bad.

Love that Dog Discussion Guide

Love that Dog Book Trailer

Sharon Creech and her editor discuss the editorial process