Love That Dog facts for kids
The cover of Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
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| Author | Sharon Creech |
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| Original title | for loving that Dog and hating that cat |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Tragedy, Realistic Fiction, Poetry |
| Publisher | HarperCollins (US) Bloomsbury(UK) |
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Publication date
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2001 |
| Pages | 86 hardback 128 paperback |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-029287-4 |
| OCLC | 45757381 |
| LC Class | PZ7.C8615 Lo 2001 |
| Followed by | Hate that Cat |
Love That Dog is a special kind of book written by Sharon Creech and published by HarperCollins in 2001. It's written in a style called free verse, which means it doesn't have a strict rhyming pattern or rhythm like traditional poems. The whole story is told through diary entries from a young boy named Jack.
Jack isn't too keen on writing poetry at first. He finds it difficult and doesn't think he's good at it. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, keeps encouraging him. As the book goes on, Jack starts to open up and share his thoughts and feelings through his poems. He learns that poetry can be a powerful way to express himself.
The author, Sharon Creech, was inspired by a poem called Love That Boy by Walter Dean Myers. Love That Dog was very well-received. It was even a finalist for the 2001 Carnegie Medal, a big award for children's books. It also appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, showing how popular it became.
Contents
What's the Story About?
The book follows Jack's journey through a school year. Each chapter is a new diary entry, showing his progress. At the beginning, Jack's entries are short and sometimes a bit grumpy. He often says he doesn't want to write poetry.
Miss Stretchberry keeps giving the class different poems to read. She asks them to try writing their own. Slowly, Jack starts to connect with the poems and finds his own voice. He begins to write about things that are important to him, like his dog, Sky.
As Jack's confidence grows, his writing style changes. His poems become longer and more detailed. He learns to use words to show his emotions and tell his story. The book shows how even someone who thinks they can't write poetry can find their inner poet.
Meet the Characters
Jack
Jack is the main character and narrator of Love That Dog. He's a young boy who initially dislikes poetry. He feels shy and unsure about sharing his thoughts. Through the book, readers see Jack's personality develop. He learns to express himself and becomes more confident. His love for his dog, Sky, is a very important part of his journey.
Miss Stretchberry
Miss Stretchberry is Jack's teacher. She is patient and encouraging. She believes that everyone can write poetry. She introduces her students to many different poems and poets. Her gentle guidance helps Jack overcome his shyness and discover his talent for writing. She never gives up on him, even when he resists.
Why is Love That Dog Special?
The Power of Poetry
This book teaches readers that poetry isn't just about rhyming words. It's about expressing feelings, telling stories, and observing the world around you. Jack's journey shows how writing can help you understand yourself better. It also helps you deal with difficult emotions.
Finding Your Voice
A big theme in the book is finding your own voice. Jack starts by copying other poets. But eventually, he finds his unique way of writing. This shows that it's okay to be inspired by others. However, it's even better to develop your own style and share your own thoughts.
Dealing with Emotions
The book touches on themes of loss and grief. Jack's poems about his dog, Sky, are very touching. They show how he uses writing to cope with sadness. This makes the book relatable for young readers who might be dealing with their own strong feelings.
The Author: Sharon Creech
Sharon Creech is a well-known American author. She has written many popular books for young readers. She is famous for her unique writing style. Many of her books, like Love That Dog, use a diary format or free verse. She often writes about themes of family, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges. Creech won the prestigious Newbery Medal for her book Walk Two Moons.
Awards and Recognition
Love That Dog received several important awards and honors:
- It was a finalist for the 2001 Carnegie Medal. This is a major literary award in the United Kingdom for children's books.
- The book was commended at the 2002 Children's Book Awards.
- It also appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. This shows its popularity and wide readership in the United States.
