[.ca] Love That Dog (ISBN 006085278X)

From Amazon.com:
Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech's Love That Dog, a funny, sweet, original short novel written in free verse, introduces us to an endearingly unassuming, straight-talking boy who discovers the powers and pleasures of poetry. Against his will. After all, "boys don't write poetry. Girls do." What does he say of the famous poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? "I think Mr. Robert Frost / has a little / too / much / time / on his / hands." As his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, introduces the canon to the class, however, he starts to see the light. Poetry is not so bad, it's not just for girls, and it's not even that hard to write. Take William Carlos Williams, for example: "If that is a poem / about the red wheelbarrow / and the white chickens / then any words / can be a poem. / You've just got to / make / short / lines." He becomes more and more discerning as the days go by, and readers' spirits will rise with Jack's as he begins to find his own voice through his own poetry and through that of others. His favorite poem of all is a short, rhythmic one by Walter Dean Myers called "Love That Boy" (included at the end of the book with all the rest of Ms. Stretchberry's assignments). The words completely captivate him, reminding him of the loving way his dad calls him in the morning and of the way he used to call his yellow dog, Sky. Jack's reverence for the poem ultimately leads to meeting the poet himself, an experience he will never forget. This winning, accessible book is truly remarkable in that Creech lets us witness firsthand how words can open doors to the soul. And this from a boy who asks, "Why doesn't the person just / keep going if he's got / so many miles to go / before he sleeps?" (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson

Wonderful for all ages:
I bought this book for my 10 year old son about 6 months ago. I just grabbed it tonight to read during a quick break and fell in love. At 90+ pages written in prose it's a quick and easy read and wonderfully entertaining. I think there's a little bit of Jack (the main character) in all of us, wondering if what we are is good enough not only to share with the world but to fess up to ownership of it. His teacher, through gentle guidance, teaches him to believe in himself. I think this book is appropriate for people of any age and I plan on getting it for my 20 something sister for her birthday next month!

"Love That Dog" Has a Lot of Love to Give:
I purchased this book a year and a half ago from a gift certificate I had gotten for my twelfth birthday. The only reason I bought it was because how much I loved all of the other books Ms. Creech has written. I wasn't too excited about a short book of poetry. "Love That Dog" is a quick read (you can read it in one sitting.) It is a simple book narrated by a boy named Jack who's learning about poetry. Though reluctant at first to learn, he slowly begins to realize how much he enjoys writing in prose poem. I was truly touched by this book. It made laugh, it made me cry, it made me think a little differently. Everyone in my family has now read it (or had it read to them), and they all have had the same reaction. It may say for ages 8-12, but it's the type of book everyone will enjoy. Jack has a little bit of everyone in him, making his feelings easy to understand and laugh with and symphasize with. I was espeacially surprised--the street and house he described were exactly like my old one, I also have an old yellow dog similar to his, and I have a little brother named Jack. Buy this book. You'll be so glad you did.

Sharon Creech writes another great story:
Yet another hit from Creech, whose award-winning "Walk Two Moons" I fell in love with earlier this year. This story, told in poetry form, is about a young boy whose teacher has him write poetry in his journal to express himself. As he learns to express himself through his writing, he begins to enjoy the famous poems his teacher shares with him and the class. Beautifully written, a great book for younger readers and adults alike.

Love this book!:
This is a fantastic book and a great way to get kids interested in poetry. This book demonstrates how children can explore and express feelings through poetry and learn about themselves in the process. Love That Dog will pull you in and you will not be able to put it down. It is a wonderful story and a MUST read! Adults and children will enjoy this book. It will make you laugh and maybe even cry as we can all identify with Jack at some time in our lives. Thank you Sharon Creech for such a wonderful book!

Jack's School life:
Jack is a poet and his friends at school say girls are poets not boys. So he gets a yellow dog and names it Sky. Sky helps Jack cool down and feel good. People who would like this book would like realistic fiction. Mr. Walter Dean Myers comes to the school because Jack sends him lots of letters to him. Read the book to find out what he says. Abby Van Meveren