Poetry Book Review - Verse Novel: Love That Dog

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog. 2001. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 006029289X

REVIEW
This collection of poems displays the emotions of a boy, Jack, who is reluctant to be a poet. When his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, asks him to write poetry, he is convinced that it is for girls, “he can’t do it - brain’s empty.” Throughout the school year, Jack’s attitude toward poetry goes through many progressions. He eventually starts to understand poems he reads, writes good ones of his own, but is hesitant to claim his work. He demonstrates his feelings for a pet, other poetry, Walter Dean Myers, and more. The poems are all written by Jack, however there is obviously communication going on between him and his teacher. In the end, he begins to feel comfortable with others reading his work, and he is given the opportunity to meet Walter Dean Myers!

Creech’s poetry weaves together in this verse novel for readers of about fourth grade and up. The words are not particularly difficult for readers, but the symbolism in some may be lost on younger readers. Various forms are used within this novel, but most poems are written in free verse. Children who share Jack’s initial resistance to poetry may relate to many of his words and become hooked as his viewpoint changes. All students will find a familiar experience in these words, as at some point or another they struggle with their own self-image. The title of this book is a bit deceiving, since only a few of the poems are actually about a dog, but this turned out to be a welcomed misinterpretation. Included at the end are all the poems that were alluded to in Jack’s poems, too. Creech’s expressive words through Jack evoke emotion and offer thought-provoking situations to readers - a good read.

SELECTION
May 17 (by Jack)
By Sharon Creech

Okay.
I guess.
I’ll put my name on it.

But I hope it doesn’t make
people feel too sad
and if it does
maybe you could
think of something
to cheer everybody up
like maybe with
some of those brownies
you make
the chocolate ones
that are so good?


AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee 2002-2003, Texas Library Association
BOOKLIST: “Best of all, the story shows how poetry inspires reading and writing with everyday words that make personal music.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “a quality that will have many young listeners enthralled.”

CONNECTIONS:
* This book would be a great introduction to beginning poetry journals in class. Students can write their feelings, emotions, etc. about anything to their teacher, who will respond with either his/her own poetry or just a written response.
* Use the poem written for Walter Dean Myers (p 55 - 59), and have the students write their own poem to a writer/poet they like.