Hate That Cat

A young boy named Jack continues his poetry-writing journey in this verse novel, the sequel to Love That Dog. Through poems written for his teacher Miss Stretchberry, Jack expresses his strong feelings about a black cat in his neighborhood and his developing understanding of poetry. Jack encounters various poetic forms and techniques as he studies the works of famous poets in class. His writings reflect both his growing knowledge of poetry devices and his personal experiences with animals, family, and sound. The story follows Jack's journey through the school year as he processes his feelings about cats, explores his relationship with his mother, and discovers new ways to express himself through verse. Written entirely in accessible poems, this book examines themes of growth, perception, and the power of words to capture experiences. The narrative demonstrates how poetry can help young people understand their emotions and connect with the world around them.

Readers describe this poetry-focused sequel to "Love That Dog" as accessible for reluctant readers while still offering depth for poetry enthusiasts. The verse format and short length (128 pages) make it popular among teachers and students. Readers liked: - The emotional authenticity of Jack's voice - Introduction to poetic devices and forms - The growth of Jack's relationship with his teacher - Incorporation of famous poems as teaching tools - Handling of grief and family relationships Readers disliked: - Less impactful than "Love That Dog" - Some found the poetry explanations repetitive - Several noted it works better when read after the first book Ratings: Goodreads: 4.15/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (120+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One teacher reviewer noted: "My students connect with Jack's struggle to understand poetry while creating their own voice." Multiple reviewers mentioned using the book successfully in elementary classrooms to teach poetry concepts.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech A boy discovers his voice through poetry while processing grief over the loss of his pet.

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai A Vietnamese refugee tells her immigration story through free verse poems that capture both loss and hope.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Free verse poems chronicle a young girl's journey of self-discovery between the North and South during the Civil Rights Movement.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Free verse poems tell the story of a girl surviving the Dust Bowl while dealing with family tragedy and finding solace in music.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander Basketball, family dynamics, and growing up intersect in this novel-in-verse about twin brothers facing changes on and off the court.

🌟 The book's free verse format was inspired by great poets like William Carlos Williams and Edgar Allan Poe, whose works are referenced throughout the story 🌟 Sharon Creech became the first American author to win both the American Newbery Medal and the British Carnegie Medal for children's literature 🌟 The story's unique structure of using only classroom assignments was partly influenced by Creech's own experiences as a high school teacher 🌟 Black cats, which play a central role in the book, were once highly valued in ancient Egypt and considered sacred protectors of households 🌟 The novel's companion book "Love That Dog" has been translated into over 20 languages and is frequently used in elementary school poetry curricula