Because of Winn-Dixie
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo, is a beautiful story that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The main character, Opal, is a 10-year-old girl who lost her mother when she was younger. But even though Opal has no memories of her mother, she still wonders about who she was and decides to ask her father. But her father refuses to talk. Shy, excluded, and lonely, Opal decides to go to a supermarket, where she meets an old, scruffy looking dog creating rampage around the market. When Opal got home, she not arrive with groceries, but instead, a dog she names Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal’s father decides to tell her ten things about her mother, one for each year was alive. Opal soon learns that Winn-Dixie is better at making friends than anybody else she knows. Over that summer in Naomi, Florida, Opal and Winn-Dixie get into many adventures together and make a few friends along the way. Miss Franny Block, the librarian, reads Opal and Winn-Dixie the story “War and Peace,” as well as the stories of her life. They also meet Gloria Dump, who is a fun-loving character who is blind, yet is still able to see with her heart. Lastly, they meet Otis, the pet shop owner, who sings and plays his guitar for them. Opal learns what it means to have friends and collects many stories from her friends, about her mother, and most importantly, about herself. She finds forgiveness and love because of Winn-Dixie.
Because of Winn-Dixie, is a elaborate story full of characters and feelings that take you on a emotional field trip. I personally love this book because of this and have cried every time I’ve read this story. You laugh at the crazy antics, cry waterfalls of tears, and sob with happiness throughout the entire story. Even if you try to read this book quickly and in parts, once you read the first words, you’re instantly hooked and will refuse to put down this book once you pick it up. Because of Winn-Dixie, is also a movie that is able to capture the moments that you imagine in your head perfectly. This book is perfect for a quiet read, an audio tape you listen to in your car, or even reading out loud to a classroom or to yourself. Follow the story and find out what happened in that summer because of Winn-Dixie.
Grade Level:
- Suggested: 3rd+
- Advanced: 2nd
Genre: Realistic-fiction
Key Elements: Dog, friendship, forgiveness
Possible Themes: Friendship can come anywhere, forgiveness is key, anything can change
Overall Rating: 5/5
Happy Reading!
-The Book Lover-
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