Love that Dog (2001) by Sharon Creech

Plot Summary:  Jack is a student in Room 105-Miss Stretchberry's class.  He starts out his book of poetry in September by telling the reader that he doesn't want to write poetry because only girls write poetry.  This sweet little book of poetry follows a student's experimentations with reading and writing poetry.  The poems are questions and responses that the writer has asked his teacher.  It contains classics such poets as Robert Frost, William Blake, and William Carlos Williams.  Jack struggles with self-confidence in writing poetry.  He doubts his own writng abilities, and this book follows his progress in the subjects of reading and writing poetry.  By June, it becomes obvious that Jack has not only found a favorite poet, but has become a great lover of poetry.

Genre:  Free Verse Poetry

Subjects/Themes:  types of poetry, dogs, writers

Reviews:  Positive reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal, SLJ referred to this book as "a tiny treasure."

Age Group:  Grades 4-8