Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

Ten year old India Opal Buloni finds herself in a Winn-Dixie store in Naomi, Florida watching a big ugly stray dog terrorize the staff and patrons. Just as the dog is about to meet a dog catcher's fate, Opal speaks up and claims him as her dog. Quick thinking leads her to name him "Winn-Dixie" and a friendship is born. Winn-Dixie quickly steals the hearts of all he meets, and spreads love and happiness along the way. Opal's secret desire is to find her mother who left when she was a little girl, but when she loses Winn-Dixie, all she can think about is her cherished pet.

DiCamillo is at her best painting the picture of a small Florida town in this novel. She artfully describes a myriad of characters from the "witch" to the "convict" and a host of others in between. A child reader can easily relate to Opal and her love for her dog, and her wistfulness in wanting her mom to return. Readers can easily gain insights and understanding into Opal's challenges. One such challenge is wanting a new collar and leash for Winn-Dixie, but not having any money to pay for them. Opal quickly decides to barter her cleaning services for the leash and collar, and a friendship with the pet store clerk is born. Even the crabby old parrot likes Winn-Dixie, as she always lands on the dog's head and screeches, "Dog". DiCamillo gives us hope throughout the book that Opal will either find her mom, or at least be at peace with why her mom left. The quality of writing in the novel is superb and is a definite must read for grades 4th-6th. Because of Winn-Dixie is a recipient of the Bluebonnet Book Award.

I loved this book! I fell in love with Winn-Dixie just as everyone else in the book did. I loved how the author described Winn-Dixie's smile, and the writing was so descriptive I could just see that dog smiling! Each character in the book is so well-developed, and one of my favorite characters was Opal's daddy, the preacher. I loved how he let Opal bring the dog into church, and I loved the image of Opal and her dog sitting there listening to their dad preach. For me, it was a "Kodak moment." This book reminded me of how important pets are to children, and how much joy they can bring to everyone they meet. I wish there was a sequel to this book! I so very much want for Opal's mom to return and for them to be a happy family.

Key Words
distracted, palmetto trees, ignoring, terrorized, retarded, typhoid fever, tragedy,