LOVE THAT DOG

LOVE THAT DOG, a novel by Sharon Creech is story about a boy’s (Jack) reluctance to participate in poetry writing activities at school and his love for his dog. The boy resists and the teacher, Miss Stretchberry, gently insists, repeatedly. By continually sharing poetry with the class and allowing Jack to respond with his true feelings in his journal Miss Stretchberry eventually gets Jack to writing poetry, anonymously. Jack’s writing growth is shown in the length and content of his poems. One poem in particular inspires Jack and he models a poem about his dog after it. The story culminates with a school visit from Jack’s favorite poet and Jack’s thank you.

“I don’t want to” A bald statement that says exactly what Jack feels. On the first page of his journal Jack leaves no doubt this is not something he is going to willingly participate in. The author has grabbed the reader with a negative statement. The author uses free verse to tell the story of Jack’s reluctance to poetry writing to his growing confidence in his abilities and appreciation of poetry. The format is a student’s journal entries. This allows the date to show the time line. Use of blue ink reinforces the boy’s perspective. Italics, font type, and size are used to highlight Jack’s responses in his journal. Short entries convey the caring of the teacher and Jack’s hesitant (at the beginning) efforts. The author makes you feel Jack’s love for his dog and the pain he feels from his death. At the same time she allows you to share Jack’s growing excitement about poetry. The author includes the actual poems alluded to throughout the story at the end of the book.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 3-7.

Keywords: poetry, reluctance, acceptance, persistence, love, grief