Love That Dog by Sharon Creech is a heartwarming and accessible book that captivates readers with its unique narrative style and deeply emotional storytelling, making it a perfect addition to any homeschool literature curriculum. This novel, presented through free-verse poems from the perspective of a young boy named Jack, explores themes of love, loss, and the power of expression through poetry. Sharon Creech masterfully crafts a narrative that is both engaging and educative, offering profound insights into the nature of writing and the impact it can have on our lives.

Love That Dog enhances our homeschool curriculum with hands-on, literature-based activities. Here are a few examples:

• Creative Writing Inspiration: Jack’s journey with poetry inspires students to express themselves through their own poems, exploring personal experiences or emotions.
• Literary Analysis: Dive into the analysis of poetic forms and devices used in the book. Discuss the significance of free verse and how Creech uses imagery, metaphor, and simile to convey Jack's feelings and growth.
• Emotional Literacy: Use the book to discuss themes of loss, healing, and empathy. Jack's relationship with his dog, and how he deals with grief through poetry, opens conversations about how we process and express complex emotions.
• Understanding Author's Craft: Examine the book's layout, the choice of using a young narrator, and how these elements contribute to the story's impact.
• Integration with Other Subjects: Link the book to historical or contemporary poets mentioned within, such as Walter Dean Myers, William Carlos Williams, and Robert Frost.