Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Di Camillo

Plot Summary:

Kate Di Camillo’s, Because of Winn Dixie is one of my favorites! India Opal Buloni overcomes the abandonment she feels because her mother left her and her father when she was an infant. Opal and her Preacher Father arrive at the small town of Naomi, Florida. As the new comer, Opal has difficulty making new friends. One day, she goes to the local grocery store, Winn Dixie, where her life changes forever. Opal assumes responsibility of the dog that is causing the chaos at the grocery store. When the store manager threatens to call the pound to have the dog removed, Opal intervenes and shocks the store manager by call out, “Winn Dixie!” To everyone’s surprise, including Opal, the dog obeys and that is where the story begins. Opal and Winn Dixie venture out to find new friends in the town of Naomi. However, Opal finds much more in this heartwarming tale of a dog named Winn Dixie.

Impression about the book

My favorite part in Because of Winn Dixie is the scene where Opal’s father has been looking for Winn Dixie in the rain and Opal feels her father doesn’t care about anything that is important to Opal. There is the epiphany when he explains to Opal that the her mother did not leave one thing behind when she left them, he explains he was wrong, she did leave one thing behind, “She left you behind and thank God for that,” he tells her. I sobbed and sobbed. This poor, lonely girl befriends the ugliest dog and makes him her best friend..

Reviews / Reviews Excerpts

This book is beautifully written to capture a young girl with a thirst to be liked. Anyone who reads the story of how Winn Dixie came to be will fall in love with the unique but likeable pooch.

Suggestions for library use:

Librarians could use this book as an example of a person who is new in town or feels out of place within their community. The librarian can read aloud an excerpt and be captivated by the simple yet well written novel. This book is recommended for those who have a low self-esteem, have lost a parent, or feel lonely.