Love That Dog
Bound to Stay Bound Books 2023
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- finding your voice
- power of poetry
- grief and healing
- teacher mentorship
- self-expression
- resilience
- empathy
- pets and companionship
About this book
Told in short, funny, and heartfelt free-verse entries, a boy named Jack discovers poetry in his classroom and slowly finds the confidence to write his own. As he responds to poems his teacher shares, he begins to understand how words can capture big feelings—especially about a dog he loved. The quick, diary-like format makes it inviting for reluctant readers, while the emotions feel real and relatable. Perfect for grades 3–6, it shows how poetry can be a powerful way to tell your story.
Setting: contemporary American elementary classroom
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Love That Dog right for my child?
Yes — Love That Dog is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include finding your voice, power of poetry, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Love That Dog?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Love That Dog takes around 34m to finish. The book has 5,090 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Love That Dog have an AR quiz?
Yes — Love That Dog has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Love That Dog?
Love That Dog has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.