Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is the story of ten year-old India Opal Bulone’s struggle to make friends after her preacher father moves them Naomi, Florida. A simple errand to the grocery store ends with Opal rescuing a dog about to be sent to the pound. She names the dog Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie eases Opal’s loneliness as she meets an interesting array of unique people in Naomi, including Miss Fanny Block, the librarian, Otis, the guitar playing criminal, and Gloria Dump, an old woman the kids believe is a witch.
Opal is a strong character with problems that face many young children today; mainly she misses her mother. Although a sad topic, it is dealt with in a positive and hopeful manner offering readers inspiration. The author shares Opal’s situation allowing readers a window into coping with daily life. The dog, Winn-Dixie permits readers to connect and perceive possible solutions to their problems. It is easy to understand how Winn-Dixie is a Newberry Honor Book and an ALA Notable Children’s Book. A dog and child story, this book offers incite to the many situations facing young people today. I was captivated by Opal when she announced she didn’t need the dog, he needed her. How can you resist logic like that?
I would recommend this book for students in grades 3-6.
Keywords: friends, alcoholism, love, acceptance, coping, differences
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