Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Love That Dog is a short, touching book of poetry written by the main character, a second-grader named Jack. Jack's poetry tells the story of his experience with Miss Stretchberry's poetry unit at school. The unit begins shortly after Jack's beloved dog has died. At first Jack believes poetry is for girls, and he does not think he has anything to write about. Eventually, though, Jack discovers Walter Dean Myers, a poet he loves and admires. He also realizes that he actually does have something very important to say in his own poetry...something about his love for his dog.

I recommended this book for 2nd-6th grade students who love pets and who already appreciate writing as a way to express life's difficult experiences. I also recommend this book to students who have not yet discovered the satisfying and healing power of writing.

Mrs. N.