Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Newbery Award/Honor 2 of 2

Because of Winn-Dixie is about a ten year old girl (Opal) who adopts a stray dog. She names the dog Winn-Dixie because that was the first thing she thought of when she was confronted by the store manager. The Winn-Dixie store manager confronted Opal about the dog because the dog was running all over the store, and Opal claimed the dog was hers. The dog immediately won Opal over because he smiled at her showing all of his teeth and waging his tail. Winn-Dixie convinced Opal’s dad, the preacher to let him stay by being affectionate and smiling at him. It was thanks to Winn-Dixie that Opal finally started making friends in her new home of Naomi, Florida. Opal was so lonely, that she missed her mom terribly whom she had not seen since she was three years old. Winn-Dixie paved the way for Opal and her father to work through their sorrow and become closer. Winn-Dixie also paved the way for Opal to become friends with the librarian, Franny Block; the old blind lady, Gloria Dump; the ex-con; Otis, Sweetie Pie Thomas, a little girl; Stevie Dewberry, a boy Opal’s age; and Amanda, a girl Opal’s age. This book teaches about loneliness, friendship, and acceptance. Each one of Opal’s new friends had faced some kind of sorrow which lead to their loneliness. Once Opal accepted each one of them, they all became friends. This story is an easy read and a wonderful feel good book. It makes you fall in love with Winn-Dixie and to cheer for the characters when they all come together.