Love that Dog by Sharon Creech

Creech, S. (2001).  Love that dog. NY: HarperCollins.

Interest Level 3rd - 7th

Summary and Analysis

This is an interesting take on a journal or poetry book.  Poetry is usually considered a “girl thing.”  However, this shows how boys can also love it as well.  The appeal to students is that it is a different format than most books.  It is 100% written in first person and told by a child.  It appeals to students, because it shows that it is okay to be different. The selling point for this is that it is realistic and in the view of a child.

Other popular books by Sharon Creech

1.    Walk Two Moons

2.    The Great Unexpected

3.    Hate that Cat

The only similarity that jumps out at me is the fact that Hate that Cat and Love that Dog are a series of books with the same character.  The other two books are not related.  Ms. Creech style is noticeable in each book, but the stories stand alone. 

Teacher's Guide for Love that Dog (from Sharon Creech's website)