DiCamillo, K. (2000) Because of Winn Dixie. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press
Brief Annotation: This sweet book tells the story of ten year old India Opal and the summer she moves with her father to Naomi, FL. Opal meets and adopts a stray dog who she met in the supermarket, and names him Winn-Dixie after the store. Opal and the dog spend the summer befriending an array of interesting characters in Naomi. Through her interactions with her new friends and her relationship with Winn-Dixie Opal learns to deal with the biggest sorrow of her life—that her mother left their family when Opal was still a little girl. Opal learns to love and communicate with her father, and to enjoy the people and relationships she has.
Grade level: 3-6
Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction
Response/Rating (1-4): **** This was a really sweet book, that introduces readers to some challenging issues in a relatable and unassuming way. I really liked the message of the story and this it would be a great book to read aloud to a 4th or 5th grade class.
One question you would ask before read aloud: What makes a good friend? What are some attributes that a good friend would have?
While I appreciate the sentiment and exceptional writing in Winn Dixie, when I first read this book, I remember thinking, "Great. Another book about a mother-less girl with a clueless father who is saved by a wise, caring woman who happens to live nearby." Cynical, I know, but think about it. How many books, especially Newbery winners, follow this plot path? A lot, I tell you!
ReplyDeleteAgain, not to take a thing away from Kate DiCamillo, who I love, but the theme is getting tiresome to me.