Because of Winn-Dixie

“Because of Winn Dixie” is written by Kate DiCamillo and takes place in a small town called Naomi, Florida, Naomi is a town that has a very small population that Opal and her dad moved to when her dad was going to work in a church. This church is no ordinary church this church is really just a Pick it Quick which is just a small convince shop. Opal is a ordinary little girl who has to put up with her daddy. The only thing that Opal wants is a dog but Opal’s dad would not let her get a dog because he does not want to put up with the neighbors and some of the problems that a dog would cause. I would recommend reading this book because it tells a nice story about a little girl and a dog. I also recommend reading this book because this book is very similar to real life because a girl wants a dog very bad but she does not know the consequences yet. But then one day while Opal’s dad is at work he asks her to go to the Winn Dixie to get some macaroni noodles but while Opal is in the grocery store she sees a dog go running past and go crazy in the store knocking down anything in sight. But then finally the grocery store employ’s catch the dog and Opal says that the dog his hers because of how much she wants a dog. The real reason that you should read this book is because it is realistic and at some parts it makes you think and wonder. Also another reason is like I said before it’s a nice story about a little girl and a dog who love each other and spend a lot of time together. That’s why you should read this book.

My kids and I have read this book many times and I love it every time. DiCamillo does an excellent job of capturing the young voice of India Opal, and who couldn't fall in love with this mess of a dog? I especially appreciated the author's honesty in dealing with Opal's absent and alcoholic mother, as well as a father who has trouble communicating with his daughter. Opal bonds with the dog in a way that is believable and touching. And characters like Gloria Dump, Otis, and the Dewberry boys are all so well drawn.

Reader reviewed by Shannon

I really loved this book.  I really like the main character, Opal, and how she loved her dog.  I love how Opal and her dog make a family by becoming friends with people in her town.  I can relate to Opal and her friendship with her dog because that's how I feel about my dog.

Reader reviewed by Haley

The book Because of Winn-Dixie was alright to me. I do not believe that it was the greatest. I feel that it could be written much better and that it was sort of boring. I usually read a book within hours. Because of Winn-Dixie took me 2 days. I think that it was slow moving and lacked a real story line. I am not completly sure that i would read it again. I wouldnt recomend it to most people.

Reader reviewed by Godzgirl

This book is about a girl, a homeless dog, a preacher, a new city, and new friends. This book is full of adventures and good times. You will meet new people, meet a dog with a funny smile, a girl with a great personality, a preacher with a haunting past, a new city that is small, and friends that are weird and strange, but fun and loving. They bond together to become one great friend/family. They come to learn and love each other.

They build a church, they make friends, they have a party, they bond together when Winn-Dixie goes missing. They find him and have a good party.

Reader reviewed by Jordan

olive has found the greatest dog in the world. this book is about her adventures with the dog. this dogs name is winn dixie because that is where he was found. the story of olive and her dog is one incredible tale and is based on a true story this is a dog lovers book for sure!!!

Reader reviewed by taylor

this a wonderfull book about a girl named opal an dher dog winn-dixie. she meets winn-dixe at a store where he is homeless and she desides to keep him. winn-dixie teachers opal a lot.

this is an easy reader cute book for ages 8-11 i recomend. very good book and cute storyline!

Reader reviewed by Jill

Because of Winn-Dixie is a fabulous book! The relationship between Opal and her best friend/dog, Winn-Dixie, is really at the heart of the book. Because she just moved to town with her dad, who is a minister, Opal is very lonely and seeks refuge in the wild but good-hearted Winn-Dixie. Through their adventures (and misadventures) together, we really get to know and love these characters and dislike some of the others.

I recommend this book to ANYONE! Teachers, kids, parents, this book is great. (Much better than the movie, too!!)

Reader reviewed by Jo

This is such a heart-warming and funny story about a little girl who has to overcome some feelings of lost due to her mother's absence. The characters she meets are loving and wonderful, as well as, interesting and funny. When the story ends you have a sense of peace for the main character and you will long remember this story.

Reader reviewed by Hinge_Pin

This book was a heartwarming and sweet book. There is no way any young person should go without reading this book. The story line and the lessons it teaches all of us are timeless. Thanks to the author for writing such a great book. The way it was written truly captivates the childs, or teenager, mind base. The way the dog and girl become friends is truly kind and a joy to read. This book could easily be read in one setting.