Review of "Hate That Cat" by Sharon Creech

OVERVIEW:

Hate That Cat follows a discussion between Jack and his favorite teacher Miss Stretchberry. Jack is thrilled to have her as his English teacher again but finds himself facing new struggles with his parents, his Uncle Billy, and the mean black cat in his neighborhood. As Jack's story unfolds, your heart melts and you find yourself questioning, growing, and learning right beside him. And in the end you might see a new side of that mean black cat you didn't understand before.

Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech. PHOTO. Megan Bryant

RATING: ( 5 of 5)

Hate That Cat is the sequel to Love That Dog, and just like the first novel, I was in tears at the end of the second. Sharon Creech has written these novels in free verse and reveals a moving and heart rendering story in such a quick and unique way. I believe many readers can identify with Jack's love for a pet, as well as adapting to new and stranger changes. This text not only deals with learning about poetry and bragging about one's favorite things, but goes deeper into family relationships, taking pride in the things we initially are embarrassed for, and standing up for your loved ones. Though so short and so easy to read, Creech has once again written a novel that strikes to the core and makes you hug the book when you reach the end.

TO PARENTS:

This is another of those texts I have no qualms in suggesting you and child to read. Sharon Creech is a master of literature and evokes empathy for her characters like few authors I have come across. The stories are moving and emotional, but clean and safe to share with any age. I find this to be a novel you read again and again, and each read touches your heart in a new way. You can easily read this book aloud in around an hour; verse novels tend to be quick and easy to read. I hope you enjoy this novel and that it touches your heart.