Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo Date of Publication: 2001 ISBN: 0-7636 -1605 -2 Number of Pages: 182

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average Intermediate: Average
GENRES: Realism
THEMES: Family – Loyalty

SUMMARY:
India Opal doesn't even remember when her mother left them. She has just moved with her preacher dad to the town of Naomi, Florida, where it appears her isolated existence is most likely going to continue. On her way to the local grocery store, however, she meets a mangy stray dog who enters India’s life and changes everything. Soon she’s becoming friends with a collection of “misfits” in the community, thanks to her own sharp wit and her new canine pal, Winn-Dixie…

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- loves dogs
- is often alone or feels isolated
- has an unusual family situation
- likes quirky characters
- enjoys books by Kate DiCamillo

WHAT ELSE?
This book has won a ton of awards, including being chosen as a Newbery Honor Book in 2001, an ALA Notable Children's Book, A Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner, and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. It has also been made into a feature film.

Even though the main character is a girl, boys would also enjoy this. Be aware, however, that the protagonist’s mother has abandoned the family, and there are references to alcoholism as well.

RELATED LINK: For comprehensive resources, check out http://www.edhelper.com/books/Because_of_WinnDixie.htm and http://www.mce.k12tn.net/dogs/dixie/because_of_winn_dixie.htm
The author’s site, http://www.katedicamillo.com