Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. Candlewick Press. 2009.
India Opal Buloni is a lonely girl. Her Preacher father moved her to a new town in Florida, forcing her to leave her friends behind, and she’s alone. Things change for the better when she meets a stray dog in a supermarket. She names him Winn-Dixie, and he becomes her inseparable companion. His friendliness and ability to understand others leads her to making new friendships that teach her about empathy, caring and understanding. She’d spent her life mourning her mother who’d left her behind when she was a little girl, but Winn-Dixie helped heal the rift between her and her distant father. She can definitely say that everything good in her life happened because of Winn-Dixie.
I can’t believe I hadn’t read this book before now, as it’s one of those books where the dog actually doesn’t die. Imagine that! Though I’m not a dog person, DiCamillo’s down-to-earth descriptions of Winn-Dixie and Opal’s relationship had me wishing I could pet him and thank him for making Opal into a better person. Children will relate to Opal’s way of talking and love for her dog. In 2001 “Because of Winn-Dixie” won a very well deserved Newbery Honor award.
Highly recommended for ages 8-14.
You Decide: Should I Read it or Not? 