Sidman, J. (2003). The World According to Dog – Poems and Teen Voices. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
Brief Annotation: This specialized anthology of poems beautifully captures the unique relationship dogs have in our lives. Each poem reveals a special moment, such as the comfort, happiness and friendship dogs give us. The book also includes essays, written by teens that describe a special connection with a dog in their own lives.
Genre: Poetry
Grade Level: Grade 6 through 12
Readers who will like this: Young readers who enjoy poetry about animals, young readers who have a dog(s) in their life, young readers who enjoy reading essays written by other young readers
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, This collection of poems is a wonderful tribute to dogs. It uses simple language and great photographs to portray the real essence of the companionship we have with our pets. As a dog owner, I could especially relate and found myself laughing at poems such as “Stink” describing a dog’s “bliss” when rolling in foul smelling materials. In the poem, “How to Meet a New Idea,” it describes approaching a new idea from a dog’s point of view, expressing the simplistic nature in which all dogs view the world. Young teens that are pet owners themselves or know others who have pets would enjoy this anthology on “man’s (and woman’s) best friend and the essays by teens add personal relevance to the poems.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Why do you think pets have such a special place in our lives?
I like your opening question here. As opposed to something more generic about who has a pet, this question can be answered by those who do and don't have pets. I haven't read this anthology - it is now on my to-read list.
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