Jack hates poetry. He hates reading it and he hates writing it. So when his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, forces him to write one poem every week, Jack pours out his displeasure in poetic form. Over the course of the year, we see him develop, both as a poet and as a human being. From his writing, we can tell specific poets he’s being forced to read in school — William Carlos Williams, Robert Frost, William Blake — not only because Jack makes specific (nasty) comments about their work but because we can see their poetry shaping Jack’s own writing. (For the reader’s convenience, these specific poems are reprinted in the back of the book.) A deeper story also emerges from Jack’s writing: Something has happened in his past that he doesn’t like to talk about. Writing proves to be therapeutic for him, as well. The turning point for Jack comes with a school visit from his favorite author, Walter Dean Myers, whose poem “Love that Boy,” from Brown Angels , provides the inspiration for Jack’s own poem, “Love That Dog.” This event signals the emergence of the poet Jack, who has learned to use words to express his innermost feelings. Honor Book, CCBC Newbery Award Discussion (Ages 9–12)

The Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, brings readers a story with enormous heart. 

Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.

Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments—and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns that he does have something to say.

"I guess it does

look like a poem

when you see it

typed up

like that."

This heartfelt and accessible book is a classroom favorite for a reason, exploring big emotions in a way every reader can understand:

• Free-Verse Poetry: Experience Jack's world through his own short, powerful poems—a perfect and unintimidating introduction for young readers to the magic of verse.
• A Reluctant Reader's Journey: A story for any kid who thinks they hate poetry. Jack starts out with an empty brain but soon discovers he has more to say than he ever imagined.
• The Power of a Great Teacher: With the gentle encouragement of his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, Jack learns that his own words have power and his own story is worth telling.
• Handling Grief and Loss: A tender and honest exploration of love for a pet, showing how writing can be a way to honor memory and work through sadness.