Because of Winn Dixie

Module 6

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DICamillo

The story is about a young girl named Opal. One summer Opal and her father who is a preacher moved to a place called Naomi Florida. She is in a strange place and has no friends. Opal goes into the local Winn Dixie supermarket and finds a dog she names Winn Dixie. Opal and Winn Dixie become best friends. Winn Dixie helps Opal get over her loneliness from leaving her friends behind and not having a mother. Together Winn Dixie and Opal meet many new friends. Opal learned more about her mother who had abandoned them when she was very young. Opal also developed a better relationship with her father and all her friends became part of her family.



The book is told in first person. I feel the book flows smoothly because the story is told by the character. We don’t have to figure out who is speaking.
I enjoyed reading the story because it is not predictable. It is not like one of those stories you know what is going to happen next. This book also reminds me of home because I grew up in a small town with a local Winn Dixie and the book brought back childhood memories. I certainly would recommend this book to others to read. It has loneliness, sadness friendship, love, relationships and betrayal all in one book. The book does have universal appeal. I know young children love this book but I enjoyed it also. The book touches on subjects that affect the young readers and older age groups. Many of today’s issues are part of the book.

Bibliography

Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo - Candlewick Press - Cambridge, Mass. - 2001