Because of Winn-Dixie
When I started doing literature circles with my students, I thought they wanted action packed, exciting books. This book is not action packed or exciting, yet it is my students' favorite. It is the story of a ten year old girl and her single father moving to a new town. The father is burried in work, and one day sends Opal to get groceries for him. While she is in Winn-Dixie grocery store, she finds a dog she names Winn-Dixie. With a dog for a constant companion Opal feels a little less lonely. Soon she gets to know the people of the town. She learns that Miss Franny Block has the best stories and she is lonely too. She learns that Amanda Wilkerson has a reason she always looks sad. Most of all, she learns that she can heal from her own heartache.
Audience
I loved this book. My third graders cannot get enough of it. The reading level is probably closer to 4th grade, but I think this is the perfect age to start with it.
What I Love About This Book
I was crying when I read it. What a beautiful story. I loved that in the end Opal learned that her dad needs her just as much as she needs him. This book focuses a lot on how we all have burdens, and the joy that comes from sharing them with good friends. All the characters and relationships are different, but there is a sweetness and innocence to the whole story.
Cautions
Abandonment is a major theme, and alcoholism is mentioned a few times
by Kate DiCamillo
When I started doing literature circles with my students, I thought they wanted action packed, exciting books. This book is not action packed or exciting, yet it is my students' favorite. It is the story of a ten year old girl and her single father moving to a new town. The father is burried in work, and one day sends Opal to get groceries for him. While she is in Winn-Dixie grocery store, she finds a dog she names Winn-Dixie. With a dog for a constant companion Opal feels a little less lonely. Soon she gets to know the people of the town. She learns that Miss Franny Block has the best stories and she is lonely too. She learns that Amanda Wilkerson has a reason she always looks sad. Most of all, she learns that she can heal from her own heartache.Audience
I loved this book. My third graders cannot get enough of it. The reading level is probably closer to 4th grade, but I think this is the perfect age to start with it.
What I Love About This Book
I was crying when I read it. What a beautiful story. I loved that in the end Opal learned that her dad needs her just as much as she needs him. This book focuses a lot on how we all have burdens, and the joy that comes from sharing them with good friends. All the characters and relationships are different, but there is a sweetness and innocence to the whole story.
Cautions
Abandonment is a major theme, and alcoholism is mentioned a few times
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