Because of Winn Dixie

Author:  Kate DiCamillo
Title:  Because of Winn Dixie
Illustrator: none
Genre:  Realistic Fiction
SubGenre:  Children's chapter book
Theme:  Loss and Friendship
Primary & Secondary Characters:  India Opal Buloni (primary) & Secondary- The Preacher, Miss Franny, Gloria Dump, Otis
Date of Publication:  2000
Award(s):  Newberry Honor Award
Publisher:  CandleWick Press
Summary:  This a heart-warming story about a young girl named India Opal Buloni who has just moved to Naomi, Florida. Opal's mother left her when she was little and she lives with her dad who she calls "the preacher."  Opal is lonely during the summer in her new town until she meets a big ugly dog in the town's Winn Dixie grocery store. She takes a liking to the dog and is allowed to keep him and names him Winn Dixie. The story is about all the things that happen to her and the friends she makes all because of Winn Dixie. This is a great chapter book for young children to read and relate to how Opal feels being in a new place with no friends. This could be used in the classroom to teach students about overcoming loss and friendship.