Hate+That+Cat

Creech, S. (2008). //Hate that cat.// New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Jack is back and writing more poetry! His teacher, Miss Stretchberry, moved up grades with his class and is continuing to teach students about amazing poets. Jack continues to mention his beloved dog, but is now focusing his attention on an annoying cat.
 * Summary:**


 * Grade Level:** 4-7
 * Reading Level:** 5

1.1.1 Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real-world connection for using this process in own life 1.4.4 Seek appropriate help when it is needed
 * Standards for the 21st Century Learner:**
 * 1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge**

2.4.3 Recognize new knowledge and understanding
 * 2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge**

4.1.1 Read, view, and listen for pleasure and personal growth 4.1.2 Read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading 4.1.7 Use social networks and information tools to gather and share information 4.1.8 Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning 4.4.1. Identify own areas of interest 4.4.6 Evaluate own ability to select resources that are engaging and appropriate for personal interests and needs
 * 4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth**

In a worthy companion piece to Love That Dog (2001), Creech employs observant sensitivity and spare verse to carve an indelible portrait of a boy who discovers the power of self-expression. Once again, Jack works on a poetry journal for Miss Stretchberry, now his fifth-grade teacher. He responds to her instruction with skepticism, all the while absorbing the depth of feeling in the poems she shares, sometimes in spite of himself. Creech is a master of negative space; though we see only Jack's side of their dialogue, we learn a great deal about the other figures in Jack's life. In Love That Dog, Jack's reluctant relationship with poetry mirrored his struggle to let go of a good friend. In this title, we see Jack's reluctance waning, and with it, the resolute protection of his feelings. Try as he might to hold them off, the lines of Miss Stretchberry's poems open a space in his heart just big enough to allow affection for a small black kitten, dotted with white, to find its way in.--Barthelmess, Thom
 * Booklist Review 2008: (from Mackin)**