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Because of Winn-Dixie
A classic tale by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, America's beloved storyteller.One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It’s because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it’s because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie. Featuring a new cover illustration by E. B. Lewis.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2000
About the author
Kate DiCamillo
126 books9,750 followersKate DiCamillo, the newly named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2014–2015, says about stories, “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” Born in Philadelphia, the author lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 11,343 reviews
April 21, 2024
Whoooeee! Smiliest dog ever!
Ten years old India Opal and her father the Preacher move to small town Naomi to start anew. Opal left all her friends behind and is all alone in the world, that is, until one day doing her groceries she stumbles upon an ugly stray dog nearly taken to the pound. This is the story of Winn-Dixie, and every wonderful thing that happened that joyous summer because of him.
This is one of the best children’s novel I’ve ever read, and the best dog related one for sure. A beautifully heartwarming story, extremely touching, and memorable. It made me smile from the first chapter to the last, with some genuine laughter along the way, and its share of tears as well. Just like a Littmus Lozenge, although mostly innocently sweet. Also some very difficult topics addressed in a very meaningful way.
I LOVED Winn-Dixie, Opal, the Preacher, Gloria Dump, Miss Franny, Otis and Sweetie Pie; and even the Dewberry Brothers and Amanda Wilkinson a little. A plethora of quotes and moments to remember by. Some very powerful scenes, and some valuable life lessons. A novel every kid should read, and love. Truly deserving of all the awards and praising it receives, and not wrongly regarded as one of the best children’s novel ever written. A solid new favorite. Highly recommendable.
*** Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) is a very good adaptation, with some minor changes made to the plot, and a bit awkward, but overall very faithful to the book. Jeff Daniels was the best of the movie by far, exceptionally touching performance. AnnaSophia Robb plays a slightly awkward but very lovable Opal. Saint, Tyson and Matthews also deserving praising as well. Very easy to watch, very easy to love, although maybe too sweet. Some chuckles here and there, and two very powerful scenes that made me tear, not something easily done with me. Not the best movie by a longshot, but undoubtedly a great complement to the reading.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2000] [182p] [Childrens] [Animal] [4.5] [HIGHLY Recommendable]
[“Let’s pray”… “for this mouse.”] [He said “You should start sweeping”. “With your guitar?” I asked.] [“You asked for a whole library?” “A small one.” Miss Franny nodded.] [“But you are the nicest person I know.” I told Gloria. “Doesn’t mean I haven’t done bad things.”] [“You can’t always judge people by the things they done. You got to judge them by what they are doing now”] [“Men and boys always want to fight. Always looking for a reason to go to war. It’s the saddest thing.”] [“Sometimes, it seemed like everybody in the world was lonely.”] [“Life was like a Littmus Lozenge, sweet and sad and hard to separate them out. It was confusing.”]
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★★★★★ Because of Winn-Dixie [4.5]
★★★☆☆ Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures [3.5]
-----------------------------------------------
¡Whoooeee! ¡El perro más sonriente jamás!
India Opal de diez años y su padre el Predicador se mudan a un pequeño pueblo llamado Naomi para empezar de nuevo. Opal dejó todos sus amigos atrás y está sola en el mundo, esto es, hasta que un día haciendo las compras cruza camino con un feo perro callejero que casi es llevado a la perrera. Esta es la historia de Winn-Dixie, y todas las cosas maravillosas que sucedieron ese inolvidable verano por culpa de él.
Esta es una de las mejores novelas para niños que leí jamás, y la mejor relacionada con perros por seguro. Una hermosamente cálida historia, extremadamente conmovedora, y memorable. Me hizo sonreír desde el primer capítulo hasta el último, con algunas genuinas risas durante el camino, y su cuota de lágrimas también. Justo como un Littmus Lozenge, aunque mayormente inocentemente dulce. Algunos difíciles tópicos abordados también de una forma muy significativa.
AME a Winn-Dixie, Opal, el Predicador, Gloria Dump, Srta Franny, Otis y Sweetie Pie; e incluso a los hermanos Dewberry y Amanda Wilkinson un poquito. Un sinfín de citas y momentos para el recuerdo. Algunas muy poderosas escenas, y algunas valiosas enseñanzas de vida. Una novela que todo niño debería leer, y amar. Verdaderamente merecedora de todas las alabanzas y galardones que recibe, y no erróneamente considerada una de las mejores novelas para niños jamás escritas. Un sólido nuevo favorito. Altamente recomendable.
*** El Perro Sonriente (2005) es una muy buena adaptación, con algunos mejores cambios hechos en la trama, y un poco rara, pero dentro de todo muy fiel al libro. Jeff Daniels fue lo mejor de la película por lejos, una actuación excepcionalmente conmovedora. AnnaSophia Robb hace una algo rara pero muy adorable Opal. Opal. Saint, Tyson y Matthews mereciendo un poco de alabanza también. Muy fácil de ver, muy fácil de amar, aunque tal vez demasiado dulce. Algunas risas aquí y allá, y dos muy poderosas escenas que me hicieron lagrimear, algo no tan fácilmente logrado en mí. No es la mejor película ni por asomo, pero sín dudas un gran complemento para la lectura.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2000] [182p] [Niños] [Animal] [4.5] [ALTAMENTE Recomendable]
[“Oremos”… “por este ratón.”] [Dijo “Deberías empezar a barrer.” “¿Con tu guitarra?” pregunté.] [“¿Pediste toda una librería?” “Una pequeña” asintió Srta Franny.] [“Pero eres la persona más buena que conozco.” Le dije a Gloria. “No significa que no haya hecho cosas malas.”] [“No puedes siempre juzgar a las personas por las cosas que hicieron. Debes juzgarlas por lo que están haciendo ahora”] [“Hombres y niños siempre quieren pelear. Siempre buscando una razón para ir a la guerra. Es la cosa más triste.”] [“A veces, parecía que todos en el mundo estaban solos.”] [“La vida era como un Littmus Lozenge, dulce y triste y difícil de separar ambas. Era muy confuso.”]
-----------------------------------------------
Ten years old India Opal and her father the Preacher move to small town Naomi to start anew. Opal left all her friends behind and is all alone in the world, that is, until one day doing her groceries she stumbles upon an ugly stray dog nearly taken to the pound. This is the story of Winn-Dixie, and every wonderful thing that happened that joyous summer because of him.
This is one of the best children’s novel I’ve ever read, and the best dog related one for sure. A beautifully heartwarming story, extremely touching, and memorable. It made me smile from the first chapter to the last, with some genuine laughter along the way, and its share of tears as well. Just like a Littmus Lozenge, although mostly innocently sweet. Also some very difficult topics addressed in a very meaningful way.
I LOVED Winn-Dixie, Opal, the Preacher, Gloria Dump, Miss Franny, Otis and Sweetie Pie; and even the Dewberry Brothers and Amanda Wilkinson a little. A plethora of quotes and moments to remember by. Some very powerful scenes, and some valuable life lessons. A novel every kid should read, and love. Truly deserving of all the awards and praising it receives, and not wrongly regarded as one of the best children’s novel ever written. A solid new favorite. Highly recommendable.
*** Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) is a very good adaptation, with some minor changes made to the plot, and a bit awkward, but overall very faithful to the book. Jeff Daniels was the best of the movie by far, exceptionally touching performance. AnnaSophia Robb plays a slightly awkward but very lovable Opal. Saint, Tyson and Matthews also deserving praising as well. Very easy to watch, very easy to love, although maybe too sweet. Some chuckles here and there, and two very powerful scenes that made me tear, not something easily done with me. Not the best movie by a longshot, but undoubtedly a great complement to the reading.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2000] [182p] [Childrens] [Animal] [4.5] [HIGHLY Recommendable]
[“Let’s pray”… “for this mouse.”] [He said “You should start sweeping”. “With your guitar?” I asked.] [“You asked for a whole library?” “A small one.” Miss Franny nodded.] [“But you are the nicest person I know.” I told Gloria. “Doesn’t mean I haven’t done bad things.”] [“You can’t always judge people by the things they done. You got to judge them by what they are doing now”] [“Men and boys always want to fight. Always looking for a reason to go to war. It’s the saddest thing.”] [“Sometimes, it seemed like everybody in the world was lonely.”] [“Life was like a Littmus Lozenge, sweet and sad and hard to separate them out. It was confusing.”]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★★ Because of Winn-Dixie [4.5]
★★★☆☆ Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures [3.5]
-----------------------------------------------
¡Whoooeee! ¡El perro más sonriente jamás!
India Opal de diez años y su padre el Predicador se mudan a un pequeño pueblo llamado Naomi para empezar de nuevo. Opal dejó todos sus amigos atrás y está sola en el mundo, esto es, hasta que un día haciendo las compras cruza camino con un feo perro callejero que casi es llevado a la perrera. Esta es la historia de Winn-Dixie, y todas las cosas maravillosas que sucedieron ese inolvidable verano por culpa de él.
Esta es una de las mejores novelas para niños que leí jamás, y la mejor relacionada con perros por seguro. Una hermosamente cálida historia, extremadamente conmovedora, y memorable. Me hizo sonreír desde el primer capítulo hasta el último, con algunas genuinas risas durante el camino, y su cuota de lágrimas también. Justo como un Littmus Lozenge, aunque mayormente inocentemente dulce. Algunos difíciles tópicos abordados también de una forma muy significativa.
AME a Winn-Dixie, Opal, el Predicador, Gloria Dump, Srta Franny, Otis y Sweetie Pie; e incluso a los hermanos Dewberry y Amanda Wilkinson un poquito. Un sinfín de citas y momentos para el recuerdo. Algunas muy poderosas escenas, y algunas valiosas enseñanzas de vida. Una novela que todo niño debería leer, y amar. Verdaderamente merecedora de todas las alabanzas y galardones que recibe, y no erróneamente considerada una de las mejores novelas para niños jamás escritas. Un sólido nuevo favorito. Altamente recomendable.
*** El Perro Sonriente (2005) es una muy buena adaptación, con algunos mejores cambios hechos en la trama, y un poco rara, pero dentro de todo muy fiel al libro. Jeff Daniels fue lo mejor de la película por lejos, una actuación excepcionalmente conmovedora. AnnaSophia Robb hace una algo rara pero muy adorable Opal. Opal. Saint, Tyson y Matthews mereciendo un poco de alabanza también. Muy fácil de ver, muy fácil de amar, aunque tal vez demasiado dulce. Algunas risas aquí y allá, y dos muy poderosas escenas que me hicieron lagrimear, algo no tan fácilmente logrado en mí. No es la mejor película ni por asomo, pero sín dudas un gran complemento para la lectura.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2000] [182p] [Niños] [Animal] [4.5] [ALTAMENTE Recomendable]
[“Oremos”… “por este ratón.”] [Dijo “Deberías empezar a barrer.” “¿Con tu guitarra?” pregunté.] [“¿Pediste toda una librería?” “Una pequeña” asintió Srta Franny.] [“Pero eres la persona más buena que conozco.” Le dije a Gloria. “No significa que no haya hecho cosas malas.”] [“No puedes siempre juzgar a las personas por las cosas que hicieron. Debes juzgarlas por lo que están haciendo ahora”] [“Hombres y niños siempre quieren pelear. Siempre buscando una razón para ir a la guerra. Es la cosa más triste.”] [“A veces, parecía que todos en el mundo estaban solos.”] [“La vida era como un Littmus Lozenge, dulce y triste y difícil de separar ambas. Era muy confuso.”]
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Read
December 12, 2020[Book #1 for my grad school Children's Lit class]
September 4, 2018
India Opal and her father, the preacher, have moved from Watley to Naomi, Florida. Opal had to leave all her friends behind and she’s adapting to living in a new place. Her mother has abandoned her and she’s feeling very sad and lonely. Her father preaches at a church he opened that was previously a convenience store. He works too much and he struggles to move forward as he misses Opal’s mom so much. Opal wishes she had a better relationship with him. She hasn’t found very many new friends yet. After her father sends her to the local Winn-Dixie to pick up a few grocery items, she meets a dog in the produce section that will change her life forever. She names him Winn-Dixie and their relationship grows. Along with Winn-Dixie, she meets multiple people around town including Gloria, a near-blind woman who many think is a witch, a librarian named Miss Franny Block with an interesting story, an ex-convict named Otis who runs the local pet store, two really annoying boys, and two girls of different ages that she can’t seem to figure out. She soon learns that people all have their own sadness and difficulties. She realizes that she may not be the only one who’s experiences loss and sadness.
Eventually, she opens up to her father and confronts him by asking the questions she needs answered about her mother. Her father has suffered a great deal, but he’s trying very hard to live his life and provide for Opal, he just needs help breaking out of his shell as Opal puts it. All the characters in the book are brought together by a garden party at the end of the story. Opal learns that it’s important to cherish the friends you have in the present and that it’s also important to move on. The book contains themes of sadness, friendship, acceptance, abandonment, loneliness, and love to name a few.
I read this with my kids and loved all of the characters–I seemed to connect with each and every one of them, especially Otis. Readers are reminded to think before they act, to never judge someone because of how they look, and to have empathy for others, including animals. Many people have a past and this story teaches you that it’s okay to move on and to appreciate what you have and to love the people you have in your life at that very moment. The book is written in a very easy to read manner, perfect for elementary readers. It’s a heartwarming read that I highly recommend to people of all ages.
My rating is 5*****
Eventually, she opens up to her father and confronts him by asking the questions she needs answered about her mother. Her father has suffered a great deal, but he’s trying very hard to live his life and provide for Opal, he just needs help breaking out of his shell as Opal puts it. All the characters in the book are brought together by a garden party at the end of the story. Opal learns that it’s important to cherish the friends you have in the present and that it’s also important to move on. The book contains themes of sadness, friendship, acceptance, abandonment, loneliness, and love to name a few.
I read this with my kids and loved all of the characters–I seemed to connect with each and every one of them, especially Otis. Readers are reminded to think before they act, to never judge someone because of how they look, and to have empathy for others, including animals. Many people have a past and this story teaches you that it’s okay to move on and to appreciate what you have and to love the people you have in your life at that very moment. The book is written in a very easy to read manner, perfect for elementary readers. It’s a heartwarming read that I highly recommend to people of all ages.
My rating is 5*****
January 16, 2024
2024: I got to school today to teach ESL only to discover that I was going to teach third grade instead. They happened to be reading Because of Winn-Dixie, one of my all time favorite middle grade kids books. The kids are highly motivated learners and do a lot of independent work so I could not resist reading this gem to refamiliarize myself as they discovered the world around them. Coincidentally I first learned about this book when my mom used it to help adult ESL students with their English. Everything happens for a reason and today it was so I could reread this gem. It was just as beautiful the third (fourth?) time around. I lost track because my kids all read this as well when they were in elementary school and I read it every time it was in the house. Now to rewatch the movie without tearing up if that is possible.
2016: I think this is the year that I have discovered young adult and middle grade fiction as a genre full of quality books. Always looking for wholesome books for my kids, I saw this book on a few friends' feeds, and it happened to be at the library the last time I went. Because of Winn-Dixie is Kate DeCamillo's Newberry Award winning debut novel. It features ten year old India Opal Buloni who has just moved from Watley to Naomi, Florida with her father the Preacher. Lonely for the last seven years since her alcoholic mother ran away, Opal shops one day and discovers a lost dog who she aptly named Winn-Dixie. Opal and Winn-Dixie need each other and the preacher allows the dog to stay in their adult trailer park home.
We meet the cast of characters in Naomi and they all have a sad past. From Otis at the pet store to Miss Franny Block at the library to Gloria Dump and all the children in town, each person has a painful event that they are trying to forget or move on from. They all open up and start enjoying life again due to the combined warmth of Winn-Dixie's personality and Miss Franny's Littmus Lozenge candies. I recently read Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. Because of Winn-Dixie seems like a kids book twin of the this book. Both feature a young girl or woman who move to small town from a troubled past and breathe in all the charm that the community has to offer.
I highly recommend this book to middle grade kids and the adults in their lives who are looking for a positive read. It could either be read at home or aloud in class and I'm sure it will generate many positive discussions about family, community, and life as a whole.
🐶 5 paws up, I mean stars 🐶
2016: I think this is the year that I have discovered young adult and middle grade fiction as a genre full of quality books. Always looking for wholesome books for my kids, I saw this book on a few friends' feeds, and it happened to be at the library the last time I went. Because of Winn-Dixie is Kate DeCamillo's Newberry Award winning debut novel. It features ten year old India Opal Buloni who has just moved from Watley to Naomi, Florida with her father the Preacher. Lonely for the last seven years since her alcoholic mother ran away, Opal shops one day and discovers a lost dog who she aptly named Winn-Dixie. Opal and Winn-Dixie need each other and the preacher allows the dog to stay in their adult trailer park home.
We meet the cast of characters in Naomi and they all have a sad past. From Otis at the pet store to Miss Franny Block at the library to Gloria Dump and all the children in town, each person has a painful event that they are trying to forget or move on from. They all open up and start enjoying life again due to the combined warmth of Winn-Dixie's personality and Miss Franny's Littmus Lozenge candies. I recently read Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. Because of Winn-Dixie seems like a kids book twin of the this book. Both feature a young girl or woman who move to small town from a troubled past and breathe in all the charm that the community has to offer.
I highly recommend this book to middle grade kids and the adults in their lives who are looking for a positive read. It could either be read at home or aloud in class and I'm sure it will generate many positive discussions about family, community, and life as a whole.
🐶 5 paws up, I mean stars 🐶
February 26, 2023
Why I chose to listen to this audiobook:
1. after reading and enjoying four other books by Kate DiCamillo, I thought that I had better check out her most well-known work to date;
2. my free audiobook hold became available on Libby; and,
3. February 2023 is my self-declared "Books for Young and Old Alike" Month.
Praises:
1. I loved all of the characters in this book, even the "antagonists" who turn out to be not so bad after all!
Winn-Dixie and Opal just warmed my heart! At times, Opal reminded me of the innocence that Tom Hanks portrayed with his beloved character "Forrest Gump";
2. I enjoyed the variety of likeable people Opal befriends and the interesting stories they would tell; and,
3. Cherry Jones does such a believable job narrating this story!
Niggle:
I really couldn't understand the purpose behind the "Littmus Lozenge" - candy that tastes good but makes you sad???
Overall Thoughts:
A lovely story about understanding, acceptance, and friendship.
Unlike the story The Cat Who Saved Books, Winn-Dixie, Opal's newfound bedraggled dog, does make a difference in this young girl's life as she makes unconventional friends in a new town while she and Preacher (her daddy) come to terms with the abandonment of her mama/his wife.
Recommendation?
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bittersweet story for all ages! If I was still teaching full-time, this would be a new read-aloud favorite for my Grade 3 class!
1. after reading and enjoying four other books by Kate DiCamillo, I thought that I had better check out her most well-known work to date;
2. my free audiobook hold became available on Libby; and,
3. February 2023 is my self-declared "Books for Young and Old Alike" Month.
Praises:
1. I loved all of the characters in this book, even the "antagonists" who turn out to be not so bad after all!
Winn-Dixie and Opal just warmed my heart! At times, Opal reminded me of the innocence that Tom Hanks portrayed with his beloved character "Forrest Gump";
2. I enjoyed the variety of likeable people Opal befriends and the interesting stories they would tell; and,
3. Cherry Jones does such a believable job narrating this story!
Niggle:
I really couldn't understand the purpose behind the "Littmus Lozenge" - candy that tastes good but makes you sad???
Overall Thoughts:
A lovely story about understanding, acceptance, and friendship.
Unlike the story The Cat Who Saved Books, Winn-Dixie, Opal's newfound bedraggled dog, does make a difference in this young girl's life as she makes unconventional friends in a new town while she and Preacher (her daddy) come to terms with the abandonment of her mama/his wife.
Recommendation?
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bittersweet story for all ages! If I was still teaching full-time, this would be a new read-aloud favorite for my Grade 3 class!
January 14, 2018
Because of Winn-Dixie is such a beautiful and enchanting book. I loved reading this with my daughter. I am glad she was a little bit older when we read it (I think she was about 8) as it may have been a little heavy for her if she had been much younger. Although it I guess it depends on the child.
Young Opal has just moved to Florida with her father (a preacher) and is lonely for her mother who left the family seven years before. On a trip to the supermarket (Winn-Dixie) she rescues a dog getting into trouble inside. Opal becomes her best friends and together they meet many wonderful characters over the summer. She loves all of the stories from her new friends like the town librarian, a local woman who is rumored to be a witch as well as a guitar-playing ex-con pet store clerk. These characters and their stories help Opal to start to connect with other children, help deal with her loss and sadness and even realize that others may be dealing with loss and sadness of their own.
This book deals with such important themes - grief, hope, acceptance, loss and friendship. It has many lessons about people and how we should try to not judge by appearances. The power that love has in helping deal with loss and coping with real life. I myself have a great love of animals and believe in their healing power.
It was a really nice book to read with my daughter and we had many discussions as we read. The story pulled us both in. The writing is great and the story is captivating.
A wonderful novel that I would recommend for all ages.
Young Opal has just moved to Florida with her father (a preacher) and is lonely for her mother who left the family seven years before. On a trip to the supermarket (Winn-Dixie) she rescues a dog getting into trouble inside. Opal becomes her best friends and together they meet many wonderful characters over the summer. She loves all of the stories from her new friends like the town librarian, a local woman who is rumored to be a witch as well as a guitar-playing ex-con pet store clerk. These characters and their stories help Opal to start to connect with other children, help deal with her loss and sadness and even realize that others may be dealing with loss and sadness of their own.
This book deals with such important themes - grief, hope, acceptance, loss and friendship. It has many lessons about people and how we should try to not judge by appearances. The power that love has in helping deal with loss and coping with real life. I myself have a great love of animals and believe in their healing power.
It was a really nice book to read with my daughter and we had many discussions as we read. The story pulled us both in. The writing is great and the story is captivating.
A wonderful novel that I would recommend for all ages.
October 31, 2007
Opal Buloni goes to the Winn-Dixie store, and comes home with a big scraggly dog she claimed on impulse. Because of this dog, now named Winn-Dixie, she meets her new neighbors in the Florida town she now lives in. Nothing bad happens to the dog. Let me repeat: Nothing bad happens to the dog.
This book is carefully balanced with dark and light. It could so easily have been one of those syrupy, sweet stories with charmingly eccentric townspeople spouting folk wisdom, and the dog bringing everyone together at an ice cream social. But it's not. The town is only a bit twee. Opal's mother left her and her minister father. Gloria, one of the townspeople Opal meets, used to be a drunk.
Still, a magical synergy of some kind brings everyone together as friends. Nothing bad happens to the dog.
I love this book.
This book is carefully balanced with dark and light. It could so easily have been one of those syrupy, sweet stories with charmingly eccentric townspeople spouting folk wisdom, and the dog bringing everyone together at an ice cream social. But it's not. The town is only a bit twee. Opal's mother left her and her minister father. Gloria, one of the townspeople Opal meets, used to be a drunk.
Still, a magical synergy of some kind brings everyone together as friends. Nothing bad happens to the dog.
I love this book.
April 14, 2018
A children's book I read for a Challenge and what a treat it was! Beautifully written, delightful characters, a bittersweet story. No wonder it won awards.
The Winn-Dixie of the title is big sook of a stray dog who comes into 10 year old Opal's life at a time when she needs a friend. Her mother is gone, her father works too hard, they have just arrived in a new town and she has no one. Winn-Dixie however is great at making friends and over the course of the book Opal's life turns around.
Of course there are lessons to be learned in acceptance of life and of other people. DiCamillo shows not tells in exactly the right way.
This book is a little gem and I am very glad I came across it. Discovering such treasures unexpectedly is the reason I find challenges rewarding:)
The Winn-Dixie of the title is big sook of a stray dog who comes into 10 year old Opal's life at a time when she needs a friend. Her mother is gone, her father works too hard, they have just arrived in a new town and she has no one. Winn-Dixie however is great at making friends and over the course of the book Opal's life turns around.
Of course there are lessons to be learned in acceptance of life and of other people. DiCamillo shows not tells in exactly the right way.
This book is a little gem and I am very glad I came across it. Discovering such treasures unexpectedly is the reason I find challenges rewarding:)
July 9, 2023
This is a heart-warming, feel-good, simply sweet Southern style tale of true friendship and love. It truly depicts the meaning of, “the good ol’ days.” It shows you that certain people and/or pets come into your life for a reason. The entire story really was honestly all because of Winn Dixie! (Lol)
Following Opal through all her innocent childhood trials and adventures was fun and entertaining. There were many laugh-out-loud moments, smiles, and lessons to be acknowledged. This is a definite must read for everyone! I enjoyed this on audio, and it was narrated by Cherry Jones. She did an outstanding job. She brings you straight into this world and makes you never want to leave.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS:
∆ Gloria Dump is my favorite side character.
∆ I want a Littmus lozenge!! It was such a creative addition. I want one now!!
∆ Loved the Gone with the Wind mention!!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
❤️ “I lay there and thought how life was like a Littmus Lozenge, how the sweet and the sad were all mixed up together and how hard it was to separate them out. It was confusing.”
❤️ “Sometimes, it seemed like everybody in the world was lonely.”
✨ I can’t wait to watch the film adaptation! 🎥
Following Opal through all her innocent childhood trials and adventures was fun and entertaining. There were many laugh-out-loud moments, smiles, and lessons to be acknowledged. This is a definite must read for everyone! I enjoyed this on audio, and it was narrated by Cherry Jones. She did an outstanding job. She brings you straight into this world and makes you never want to leave.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS:
∆ Gloria Dump is my favorite side character.
∆ I want a Littmus lozenge!! It was such a creative addition. I want one now!!
∆ Loved the Gone with the Wind mention!!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
❤️ “I lay there and thought how life was like a Littmus Lozenge, how the sweet and the sad were all mixed up together and how hard it was to separate them out. It was confusing.”
❤️ “Sometimes, it seemed like everybody in the world was lonely.”
✨ I can’t wait to watch the film adaptation! 🎥
February 28, 2020
My friend, who is a special education teacher, told me about this book many years ago. I just realized I had never read it, so I looked up the eBook and read it start to finish. It is, indeed, an absolutely wonderful story about loneliness and loss and love, about friends and hope and belief, about not judging and helping and being real. This is a book for everyone, especially if you moved to a strange place and didn't know if you'd ever have friends, or if you lost someone, or if you loved or love a dog, or if you just want to read an uplifting sweet and wonderful story--this book is for you and those you love.
October 15, 2019
Because of Winn-Dixie, Kate DiCamillo
A 10-year-old girl named "India Opal Bulloni", has just moved to a trailer park, in the small town of Naomi, Florida, with her father who is known as "The Preacher", because he preaches at the local church. While in the supermarket, Opal sees a scruffy dog, wrecking the store. Opal decides to take him home. Miss Franny Block, a librarian, shares great stories about her past, including one about her great-grandfather, whose family members died while he was fighting for the South in the Civil War. He invented Littmus Lozenge candies, which tasted like root beer and strawberry but included a secret ingredient— melancholy. Anyone who tasted the candies, tasted sweetness mixed with sadness. In Because of Winn-Dixie, these candies symbolize that even though life sometimes deals people a bit of sadness, there is always much to appreciate. Opal learns that her sour faced neighbor, Amanda Wilkinson, lost her brother Carson because he drowned. She vows to be nicer to her from then on. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز پانزدهم ماه اکتبر سال 2006 میلادی
عنوان: به خاطر وین دیکسی؛ نویسنده: کیت دیکاملیو؛ مترجم: علی خاکبازان؛ تهران: وزارت آموزش و پرورش، معاونت پرورشی، موسسه فرهنگی منادی تربیت، 1383؛ در 144 ص؛ شابک: 9643484254؛ چاپ سوم 1385؛ موضوع: داستانهای نوجوانان از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 21 م
عنوان: به خاطر وین - دیکسی؛ نویسنده: کیت دیکاملیو؛ مترجم: ویدا لشکریفرهادی؛ تهران : نشر قطره، 1384؛ در 120 ص؛ شابک: 9643414817؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران : گیسا ، 1393؛ در 121 ص؛ شابک: 9786006885070؛
داستان دخترکی به نام «ایندیا لوپال» بازگو شده که یک روز به طور اتفاقی با سگی مواجه میشود که تنها و گرسنه است. او سگ را با خود به خانه میبرد و او را «وین دیکسی» مینامد. «ایندیا» مادرش را در کودکی از دست داده، و با پدرش ـ که یک کشیش است ـ به شهر دیگری آمده است. او در این شهر احساس تنهایی و غربت میکند. اما با وجود «وین دیکسی» که استعداد عجیبی در دوست یابی دارد، کم کم با غم از دست دادن مادرش کنار میآید. در واقع «وین دیکسی» به او میآموزد، که امیدواری را جایگزین احساس غربت و تنهایی نماید. ا. شربیانی
A 10-year-old girl named "India Opal Bulloni", has just moved to a trailer park, in the small town of Naomi, Florida, with her father who is known as "The Preacher", because he preaches at the local church. While in the supermarket, Opal sees a scruffy dog, wrecking the store. Opal decides to take him home. Miss Franny Block, a librarian, shares great stories about her past, including one about her great-grandfather, whose family members died while he was fighting for the South in the Civil War. He invented Littmus Lozenge candies, which tasted like root beer and strawberry but included a secret ingredient— melancholy. Anyone who tasted the candies, tasted sweetness mixed with sadness. In Because of Winn-Dixie, these candies symbolize that even though life sometimes deals people a bit of sadness, there is always much to appreciate. Opal learns that her sour faced neighbor, Amanda Wilkinson, lost her brother Carson because he drowned. She vows to be nicer to her from then on. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز پانزدهم ماه اکتبر سال 2006 میلادی
عنوان: به خاطر وین دیکسی؛ نویسنده: کیت دیکاملیو؛ مترجم: علی خاکبازان؛ تهران: وزارت آموزش و پرورش، معاونت پرورشی، موسسه فرهنگی منادی تربیت، 1383؛ در 144 ص؛ شابک: 9643484254؛ چاپ سوم 1385؛ موضوع: داستانهای نوجوانان از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 21 م
عنوان: به خاطر وین - دیکسی؛ نویسنده: کیت دیکاملیو؛ مترجم: ویدا لشکریفرهادی؛ تهران : نشر قطره، 1384؛ در 120 ص؛ شابک: 9643414817؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران : گیسا ، 1393؛ در 121 ص؛ شابک: 9786006885070؛
داستان دخترکی به نام «ایندیا لوپال» بازگو شده که یک روز به طور اتفاقی با سگی مواجه میشود که تنها و گرسنه است. او سگ را با خود به خانه میبرد و او را «وین دیکسی» مینامد. «ایندیا» مادرش را در کودکی از دست داده، و با پدرش ـ که یک کشیش است ـ به شهر دیگری آمده است. او در این شهر احساس تنهایی و غربت میکند. اما با وجود «وین دیکسی» که استعداد عجیبی در دوست یابی دارد، کم کم با غم از دست دادن مادرش کنار میآید. در واقع «وین دیکسی» به او میآموزد، که امیدواری را جایگزین احساس غربت و تنهایی نماید. ا. شربیانی
October 19, 2018
It's not difficult to see why this beautiful book has won numerous awards. After reading a few friends' reviews for this book I simply knew I had to read it and I'm so glad I did.
This is a heartwarming tale of a young girl named Opal who lives with her father. Growing up without her mother has not been easy for Opal and she's been feeling a sense of loneliness through her childhood. But that's all about to change the day she comes across a dog who appears just as lost and lonely as Opal does. Opal names the dog Winn-Dixie and quickly the pair become inseparable.
A beautifully written story of friendship, love and loss. A fabulous children's book to be read and savoured for all ages. Highly recommended.
This is a heartwarming tale of a young girl named Opal who lives with her father. Growing up without her mother has not been easy for Opal and she's been feeling a sense of loneliness through her childhood. But that's all about to change the day she comes across a dog who appears just as lost and lonely as Opal does. Opal names the dog Winn-Dixie and quickly the pair become inseparable.
A beautifully written story of friendship, love and loss. A fabulous children's book to be read and savoured for all ages. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2012
This is the first book my 8-year-old son was reading and said to me, "This book is really good, Mommy. I think you would like it. You should read it."
So. I'm reading it. :)
.....
Someone called Kate DiCamillo's writing enchanting. I think enchanting fits perfectly.
So. I'm reading it. :)
.....
Someone called Kate DiCamillo's writing enchanting. I think enchanting fits perfectly.
August 17, 2023
Pretty cute heartwarming story. I didn't watch the movie as a kid, so I was glad to go into it not knowing anything. Kate DiCamillo always hits a home run with these "kid" books that are emotionally mature enough for us adults that still enjoy children's/YA books.
February 24, 2018
“Because of Winn-Dixie” is an uplifting novella that made me laugh out loud while enjoying the read. Winn-Dixie is a supermarket chain located throughout southeastern US. India Opal, a girl of ten or so, goes into one of the stores to buy a few things, and comes out with a mangy, smelly large dog. He got inside the store somehow and created havoc, knocking over produce stands, and had all the store people chasing him. So Opal adopted the dog, took him home, cleaned him up and named him “Winn-Dixie”. This is the story of how Opal and Winn-Dixie brought joy to some lonely folks in Naomi, Florida. Kate DiCamillo is an award winning author. “Because of Winn-Dixie” was her first published work. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2008
My friend Lauren read this to her elementary school kids last year -one day she read it to them aloud for an hour and a half! This is especially remarkable considering the usual behavior of her students (which is NOT sitting still, listening, and engaging in meaningful ways).
The story is well told in the ten-year old main character's voice. I'm sure this makes it attractive and understandable to young readers (or listeners). And easy for them to relate to.
The book does a good job of opening up the topic of feeling sad due to difficult life experiences, while at the same time modeling how life can be bearable despite sad events, and not just bearable but good! I enjoyed the story and appreciated the meaningful concepts told in simple terms.
And Lauren- I'm wondering if it was while reading this that you put your prejudices aside and began to warm up to Sadie? :)
A favorite part: (and I don't think it's because of my bad eyesight.)
(Opal's friend Gloria Dump says to her) "You know, my eyes ain't too good at all. I can't see nothing but the general shape of things, so I got to rely on my heart. Why don't you go on and tell me everything about yourself, so as I can see you with my heart."
(and a few pages later, Opal narrates) "I could feel her listening with all her heart, and it felt good."
The story is well told in the ten-year old main character's voice. I'm sure this makes it attractive and understandable to young readers (or listeners). And easy for them to relate to.
The book does a good job of opening up the topic of feeling sad due to difficult life experiences, while at the same time modeling how life can be bearable despite sad events, and not just bearable but good! I enjoyed the story and appreciated the meaningful concepts told in simple terms.
And Lauren- I'm wondering if it was while reading this that you put your prejudices aside and began to warm up to Sadie? :)
A favorite part: (and I don't think it's because of my bad eyesight.)
(Opal's friend Gloria Dump says to her) "You know, my eyes ain't too good at all. I can't see nothing but the general shape of things, so I got to rely on my heart. Why don't you go on and tell me everything about yourself, so as I can see you with my heart."
(and a few pages later, Opal narrates) "I could feel her listening with all her heart, and it felt good."
April 30, 2018
Because of Winn Dixie was a story about eever lasting friendship but not with a person and a person but with a little girl and her dog. Its not easy living withouta mother now is it? Imagine yourself without your mother in your life... Okay now imagine being raised by a preacher... We have the picture of a motherless preachers daughter and that is what are main character Indian Opel is.... Or we can call her Opal for short.
Opal was in the grocery store buying groceries for the preacher whenever people started yelling...
"Get that dog!"
Opal of course goes after the dog and catches him...
"Someone call the pound!" the grocery store owner shouted
Opal seemed alarmed by this because she told the store owner that he was her dog and his name was Winn Dixie.
Opal takes her new companian home to show the preacher and at first he did not want a dog. Winn Dixie was not takeing no for an answer because he jumped up on the preacher and started being as cute as possible. Of course the preacher had to of givden in because Winn Dixie stayed that night and then many more nights. Together these two friends made lots more together they befriended Gloria Dump who was an old widow women who people called a witch. They befriended Ms. Franny the librarian who loved to tell fantastic storie, Ottis who was a criminal but now worked at a pet store and gave Opal a job, Sweetie Pie Thomas who always wished that she had a dog just like Winn Dixie, and other people as well.
Opal talked Gloria Dump into haveing a party and she invited all of her friends... Did i forget to mention that Winn Dixie was afraid of thunderstorms? That part is very important... Anyways a big thunderstorm hits and the party is moved inside... They had sanwiches, and pickles.... But wait no Winn Dixie! Opal was under the impression that Winn Dixie had runaway whenever he got frightened from the thunderstorm. The preacher and Opal search high and low for hours but no Winn Dixie! Quiting time came and it was time to get back to Glorias and guess who was there..... Winn Dixie! Oal was so relieved that she had found her best friend. Everyone goes home and all is well.
Because of Winn Dixie is a great story for all ages... Its sad and its heartwarming! Its a laugh and cry book!
Kate DiCamillo did an amazing job plotting this out then useing her marvelous brain to write this...
Its not trashy
Its not violent
Its not raceist
Its just sweet
Because of Winn Dixie is an automatic five star rateing!
Opal was in the grocery store buying groceries for the preacher whenever people started yelling...
"Get that dog!"
Opal of course goes after the dog and catches him...
"Someone call the pound!" the grocery store owner shouted
Opal seemed alarmed by this because she told the store owner that he was her dog and his name was Winn Dixie.
Opal takes her new companian home to show the preacher and at first he did not want a dog. Winn Dixie was not takeing no for an answer because he jumped up on the preacher and started being as cute as possible. Of course the preacher had to of givden in because Winn Dixie stayed that night and then many more nights. Together these two friends made lots more together they befriended Gloria Dump who was an old widow women who people called a witch. They befriended Ms. Franny the librarian who loved to tell fantastic storie, Ottis who was a criminal but now worked at a pet store and gave Opal a job, Sweetie Pie Thomas who always wished that she had a dog just like Winn Dixie, and other people as well.
Opal talked Gloria Dump into haveing a party and she invited all of her friends... Did i forget to mention that Winn Dixie was afraid of thunderstorms? That part is very important... Anyways a big thunderstorm hits and the party is moved inside... They had sanwiches, and pickles.... But wait no Winn Dixie! Opal was under the impression that Winn Dixie had runaway whenever he got frightened from the thunderstorm. The preacher and Opal search high and low for hours but no Winn Dixie! Quiting time came and it was time to get back to Glorias and guess who was there..... Winn Dixie! Oal was so relieved that she had found her best friend. Everyone goes home and all is well.
Because of Winn Dixie is a great story for all ages... Its sad and its heartwarming! Its a laugh and cry book!
Kate DiCamillo did an amazing job plotting this out then useing her marvelous brain to write this...
Its not trashy
Its not violent
Its not raceist
Its just sweet
Because of Winn Dixie is an automatic five star rateing!
June 2, 2018
Second read in 2018:
In my opinion, this is a modern classic. A heartwarming read about a pre-teen girl in a small town in Florida, living with her dad. She is growing up without a mom and has recently moved to a new town and feels a little lost.
This is a powerful read about family, community, love, friendship, loss, and a wonderful dog who ties it all together. It will make you laugh and cry. Please give this book a try. I promise it will touch your heart. The audio and book, six stars each. Yes it was written for middle grade readers but there are some wonderful books in this category and it shouldn't be discounted. I really need to read every single one of Kate DiCamillo's books because I've loved every one I've tried.
First read in 2014:
Before GR, I used to think children's books were just for children. How off base was that? This is a lovely story that will make you laugh and cry. There are universal themes of love, friendship and family, and the love of a pet. I really think author Kate DiCamillo is special, as I've loved three of her books, all written for children. It takes a special gift to be able to appeal equally to kids and adults, and she has it.
Don't pass this one by because it's a kid's book. You'd be missing out. I listened to this the whole way through; never read the paper book at all. I can highly recommend the audio performance as well. Just what I was looking for: a book to remind me that there's good everywhere, and you just need to keep your eyes out and look for it. Thank you, Ms. DiCamillo.
In my opinion, this is a modern classic. A heartwarming read about a pre-teen girl in a small town in Florida, living with her dad. She is growing up without a mom and has recently moved to a new town and feels a little lost.
This is a powerful read about family, community, love, friendship, loss, and a wonderful dog who ties it all together. It will make you laugh and cry. Please give this book a try. I promise it will touch your heart. The audio and book, six stars each. Yes it was written for middle grade readers but there are some wonderful books in this category and it shouldn't be discounted. I really need to read every single one of Kate DiCamillo's books because I've loved every one I've tried.
First read in 2014:
Before GR, I used to think children's books were just for children. How off base was that? This is a lovely story that will make you laugh and cry. There are universal themes of love, friendship and family, and the love of a pet. I really think author Kate DiCamillo is special, as I've loved three of her books, all written for children. It takes a special gift to be able to appeal equally to kids and adults, and she has it.
Don't pass this one by because it's a kid's book. You'd be missing out. I listened to this the whole way through; never read the paper book at all. I can highly recommend the audio performance as well. Just what I was looking for: a book to remind me that there's good everywhere, and you just need to keep your eyes out and look for it. Thank you, Ms. DiCamillo.
October 14, 2021
Not sure why we own two copies of this book at home but okay then lol
January 23, 2019
Read the text and listened to the audio again. In the first time, I listened to the audio in 0,8 velocity, but now I listened to it in 1,2 to training and improving my English. (January 23, 2019)
I read this book in just one sitting listening to the Scribd's audio. This story is sweet, heartbreaking and heart-wrenching. (January 6, 2019)
I read this book in just one sitting listening to the Scribd's audio. This story is sweet, heartbreaking and heart-wrenching. (January 6, 2019)
March 12, 2023
Being that I am a complete lover of dogs I found this audiobook absolutely entertaining.
May 6, 2021
I have never had any interest in reading this book or seeing the movie. Imagine my surprise when the library movie/book group I belong to chose this at the one meeting I miss! I am so happy they did! I’m no stranger to YA or children’s literature so don’t know what my reluctance was about. I think I imagined sap, sap, more sap, and side of sap. This was NOT sappy!
The story reminded me quite a bit of Billie Letts writing. People in the world are weird, quirky, unique, and wonderful. The more people we meet and the less we prejudge them the happier we will be. It seems such a fundamental idea as I type, but so many people resist that notion. They don’t want to meet people different than themselves. They don’t take a person’s past into account when judging their place in the here and now, let alone the future.
Opal and Winn Dixie, her sweet, lovable, rescued dog are the perfect examples of open hearts and open minds. Opal is new in town, no friends to speak of (other than the new-found Winn Dixie) and so looking for some companionship. The story of her making that important foundation of friendship in a new place could be a lesson to all of us.
The story reminded me quite a bit of Billie Letts writing. People in the world are weird, quirky, unique, and wonderful. The more people we meet and the less we prejudge them the happier we will be. It seems such a fundamental idea as I type, but so many people resist that notion. They don’t want to meet people different than themselves. They don’t take a person’s past into account when judging their place in the here and now, let alone the future.
Opal and Winn Dixie, her sweet, lovable, rescued dog are the perfect examples of open hearts and open minds. Opal is new in town, no friends to speak of (other than the new-found Winn Dixie) and so looking for some companionship. The story of her making that important foundation of friendship in a new place could be a lesson to all of us.
August 15, 2017
This is a short novel but it contains a lot of reflection on grief, pain and friendship. It reminded me in some ways of To Kill a Mockingbird. In both cases, a father is left to take care of his child(ren) without the help of a mother. And in both cases, a young girl, observant but not omniscient, grapples with problems and mysteries much bigger than she is, and gradually works her way toward a solution. The dog, Winn-Dixie, who is bigger than life and twice as goofy, is not so much the main character as the catalyst which brings out the best in most of the other characters.
There is in this little book a sweetness mixed with sadness, not unlike the quasi-magical candies which provoke a similar evaluation in almost everyone who samples them.
There is in this little book a sweetness mixed with sadness, not unlike the quasi-magical candies which provoke a similar evaluation in almost everyone who samples them.
July 18, 2017
This was a pretty good story about a young girl named Opal who adopts a dog named Winn-Dixie who changes her life and the lives of others. If you like these types of stories, be sure to check this out at your local library and wherever books are sold.
February 26, 2022
What goes around comes around -- & not in the way we think -- & maybe better!!! This adult absolutely loved...
February 6, 2017
Kate DiCamillo has a way with words. Yes, she does. I must admit that I'm in love with her writing style, and that I have read all of her works.
Some of her books are really funny, like the Marcy Watson series (hey, even a serious reader has to laugh sometime), but the majority of her novel-length works are way too serious to be written off as children's literature.
Yes, the are, undoubtedly, children's themes. But not childish themes. A few years ago I had reviewed her Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and categorized it as Literary Fiction. My review had ruffled up some feathers, but the purists often have their heads so deep down their rectums that they refuse to look outside of the narrow boxes they shut themselves in. With Winn-Dixie, I'm not going to go as far as labeling the book with any particular label, except literature. And good literature it is.
This short book could be read in an afternoon. But trust me when I say it is better served over the span of a few days, to let the words and themes settle in. As it is usual with her writing, DiCamillo chose the South for the settings of Winn-Dixie. There is a subtle charm to the worlds she creates, a certain nostalgia for the South I never lived in. It's slower paced, it's simpler, it's poor . . . but it is profoundly human.
Her characters are often troubled, and the protagonists in Winn-Dixie are no exception. The child lives with a single father, a preacher. The mother is gone, the community is strange, and the trailer park where they live does not scream "home" at all. The characters in Winn-Dixie do not get saved, they do not heal, but they find peace of sorts, much like in her other writings. There are no inexplicable miracles, just humans united in their suffering of the human condition. The human condition which we can universally appreciate, and which DiCamillo paints so beautifully across the pages. Everyone has a ghost in the closet, and when we let other people see them, we find, if not peace, at least a momentary reprieve from the suffering.
Her books end with hope, yet without a complete closure, which would require a complete suspension of disbelief on the reader's part.
DiCamillo does one thing I really appreciate - introducing more complex vocabulary to young readers. In an era where adult books are using more and more simple language, it is a treat to read an author who does not oversimplify for the sake of the audience.
So, when you are looking for a light serious read (in case of DiCamillo it is not an oxymoron) to share with a younger reader, or to read by yourself (it's good for the spirit to be a child again), give this book a try. You might surprise yourself.
Some of her books are really funny, like the Marcy Watson series (hey, even a serious reader has to laugh sometime), but the majority of her novel-length works are way too serious to be written off as children's literature.
Yes, the are, undoubtedly, children's themes. But not childish themes. A few years ago I had reviewed her Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and categorized it as Literary Fiction. My review had ruffled up some feathers, but the purists often have their heads so deep down their rectums that they refuse to look outside of the narrow boxes they shut themselves in. With Winn-Dixie, I'm not going to go as far as labeling the book with any particular label, except literature. And good literature it is.
This short book could be read in an afternoon. But trust me when I say it is better served over the span of a few days, to let the words and themes settle in. As it is usual with her writing, DiCamillo chose the South for the settings of Winn-Dixie. There is a subtle charm to the worlds she creates, a certain nostalgia for the South I never lived in. It's slower paced, it's simpler, it's poor . . . but it is profoundly human.
Her characters are often troubled, and the protagonists in Winn-Dixie are no exception. The child lives with a single father, a preacher. The mother is gone, the community is strange, and the trailer park where they live does not scream "home" at all. The characters in Winn-Dixie do not get saved, they do not heal, but they find peace of sorts, much like in her other writings. There are no inexplicable miracles, just humans united in their suffering of the human condition. The human condition which we can universally appreciate, and which DiCamillo paints so beautifully across the pages. Everyone has a ghost in the closet, and when we let other people see them, we find, if not peace, at least a momentary reprieve from the suffering.
Her books end with hope, yet without a complete closure, which would require a complete suspension of disbelief on the reader's part.
DiCamillo does one thing I really appreciate - introducing more complex vocabulary to young readers. In an era where adult books are using more and more simple language, it is a treat to read an author who does not oversimplify for the sake of the audience.
So, when you are looking for a light serious read (in case of DiCamillo it is not an oxymoron) to share with a younger reader, or to read by yourself (it's good for the spirit to be a child again), give this book a try. You might surprise yourself.
July 9, 2020
Because of Winn-Dixie is a beautiful children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo. I listened to the audio today after reading a lovely review by GR Friend Mischenko. The story is heartwarming. Young Opal and her father, the Preacher, move from one small town in Florida to another. Opal’s mother deserted the two of them a few years earlier and both father and daughter miss her deeply. The Preacher is busy from morning to night with his sermons and other religious duties and Opal is lonely, new in town, with no friends.
Opal’s father sent her down to the local Winn-Dixie market to pick up some groceries. A large stray dog had gotten into the store and was excitedly wreaking havoc to the chagrin of the store manager. When Opal hears him calling the dog pound she tells the store manager that the dog is hers and tells him the dog's name is Winn-Dixie (after the store name). What follows is a predictable (sweet but not cloying) story of how Opal draws people together and to her, touching everyone with her big heart.
I’m sure I’ve read a dozen stories like this one, some better, but it warms my heart every time I read a new one. I like to think of children reading this lovely book and embracing the values to be found within.
Opal’s father sent her down to the local Winn-Dixie market to pick up some groceries. A large stray dog had gotten into the store and was excitedly wreaking havoc to the chagrin of the store manager. When Opal hears him calling the dog pound she tells the store manager that the dog is hers and tells him the dog's name is Winn-Dixie (after the store name). What follows is a predictable (sweet but not cloying) story of how Opal draws people together and to her, touching everyone with her big heart.
I’m sure I’ve read a dozen stories like this one, some better, but it warms my heart every time I read a new one. I like to think of children reading this lovely book and embracing the values to be found within.
October 24, 2018
This book will charm you to your toenails whether or not your daddy is a preacher, you live in a small Southern town, or your dog sneezes when he smiles and is named for a supermarket chain. BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE follows newcomer Opal Buloni as she acquires a ratty, smelly mutt in the aisles of the eponymous grocery store, grooms him, and loves him. The dog loves her back and her minister father too. Before you know it, Opal is going all over town, making friends, finding part-time work, even cultivating an unsung genius. What didn't I like about this book? That it ended. Good reading for the early middle grades, a read-to for younger children.
Update - October 22, 2018: In response to questions from other GR members, many of the Winn-Dixie stores have been sold off to other chains in the South. However, many Winn-Dixie supermarket locations still exist in northern Florida, in and around Jacksonville. Surely this Florida story would be just as charming if the dog had been named Publix or Albertsons or even Walmart. A real charmer!
Update - October 22, 2018: In response to questions from other GR members, many of the Winn-Dixie stores have been sold off to other chains in the South. However, many Winn-Dixie supermarket locations still exist in northern Florida, in and around Jacksonville. Surely this Florida story would be just as charming if the dog had been named Publix or Albertsons or even Walmart. A real charmer!
October 17, 2015
This book captured childhood so beautifully. Loved all the characters and the sweet message of friendship. I have read several of Kate DiCamillo's books and have loved every single one; but I'd have to say this one is my favorite!
November 29, 2018
A lovely book. There were a lot of beautiful messages in this story, important to read as a child but just as important to be reminded of as an adult. I can't really say what they were without giving away the plot, but they were conveyed in a really nice, natural way.
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