Because of Winn-Dixie | 
|  | | | Title: | Because of Winn-Dixie | | Author: | Kate DiCamillo | | Publisher: | Candlewick | | Type: | Book / Paperback | | Publication Date: | 06 August, 2001 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 0763616052 / 9780763616052 | | List Price: | $5.99 | | Amazon Price: | $5.99 | |
 This book is also available, brand-new, from 3rd-party marketplace sellers at Amazon.com, from $1.17. |
The HTML code below can be pasted onto your web-site, your MySpace page, or blog - or any number of similar places - to create a link to this page: If, instead of a text link, you'd like to create a link to this page which will display the book cover, if it's available, then the code below will do exactly that:
Check for the same book at these other US book sites:
• [ Abebooks ] • [ Alibris ] • [ Barnes & Noble ] • [ Half.com ] • [ Powells ] … or check UK bookstores
| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket-and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she dubs Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, the pre
Amazon.com
Because of Winn-Dixie, a big, ugly, happy dog, 10-year-old Opal learns 10 things about her long-gone mother from her preacher father. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal makes new friends among the somewhat unusual residents of her new hometown, Naomi, Florida. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal begins to find her place in the world and let go of some of the sadness left by her mother's abandonment seven years earlier. With her newly adopted, goofy pooch at her side, Opal explores her bittersweet world and learns to listen to other people's lives. This warm and winning book hosts an unforgettable cast of characters, including a librarian who fought off a bear with a copy of War and Peace, an ex-con pet-store clerk who plays sweet music to his animal charges, and the neighborhood "witch," a nearly blind woman who sees with her heart. Part Frankie (The Member of the Wedding), part Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird), Opal brings her own unique and wonderful voice to a story of friendship, loneliness, and acceptance. Opal's down-home charm and dead-on honesty will earn her friends and fans far beyond the confines of Naomi, Florida. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter
| Other Items You May Enjoy:
Browse Books From These Related Subjects:
Customer Reviews:
• How A Stray Dog Wins Friends And Influeces People 20 August, 2008
Name your dog Albertsons because you found him there?
A lonely little girl finds a stray dog who can smile.
This preacher's daughter has been to India ( was named after it), but lost her mother very early.
Sadness and loneliness give way to new friends and
good times as Winn-Dixie wins friends her in the Florida summer.
The book is well written and a heart string plucker.
Most children and grandparents should enjoy the stories here.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A126KX6FVI4T66
• Because Of Winn Dixie 16 August, 2008
This is an excellent book to be read to prereaders and for early readers on up to adults. Ms Dicamillo has another book 'The Tales of Desperaux' that is fantastic and will be a full length animated feature motion picture being released on December 19th.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A4KAXN1NSYWY7
• Incredible Winn-dixie 12 May, 2008
Sometimes, you may feel sad and lonely, and you need a friend. A book that makes you feel so comfy is what you need. Kate DiCamillo puts her focus on a girl named Opal who needs a friend. Then she gets to explore the world of friendship through a dog named Winn-Dixie. Opal talks to Winn-Dixie and Winn-Dixie listens to Opal. You'll be safe on the journey with Kate DiCamillo. After you read this book, you'll be searching or begging for a dog. No matter what you age is, this book will touch your heart.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AQTZTPJ6C2D8W
• Newberry Honor Winner Deserves A Look 11 May, 2008
Patrick Erker
Title: Because of Winn-Dixie
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Date: 2000
Reading Level: 3.9 (Accelerated Reader)
Number of Pages: 182
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis of plot:
Because of Winn-Dixie is a story about a frustrated young girl, India Opal, who, through a process of reflection and the help of her friends, comes to appreciate her father's unorthodox love and devotion, and in the process, overcome the adversity associated with her mother's absence.
Towards the beginning of the story, our main character is found in a grocery store shopping. She witnesses a crazy scene: a dog is running wild, knocking over food carts and causing a tremendous ruckus. When no one claims ownership of the mischievous dog, India Opal makes an impulsive decision to take responsibility for the dog's actions. Although she is berated by the store owner for this, ultimately she is content with having the dog, which she brings home in hopes of keeping it. Her father, an emotionally detached preacher, allows the dog to stay. It turns out to be one of the best decisions the preacher ever made.
Winn-Dixie becomes India Opal's best friend, going with her everywhere (even into Church!), and listening to her when she is having problems. Winn-Dixie even goes with India Opal into a pet shop, where they befriend an ex-convict, who is transformed from a reclusive musician into a more confident man by the dog and its owner.
Winn-Dixie observes India Opal's other relationships, with classmates and their siblings, always factoring into the relationship dynamic. At the end of the story, India Opal hosts a party with an adult friend of hers, where all of the main characters, including two boys who have treated India Opal poorly, join in the fun, despite the rainy weather. Thunder scares Winn-Dixie under a couch, and he is given up for lost or worse by his owner, resulting in a fit of sobbing. Discovering the hidden dog is the story's most happy moment, and it is around here that India Opal finally refers to "the preacher" with the more affectionate "father."
Negative aspects of the book:
No book is perfect, and Because of Winn-Dixie is no exception. One potential weakness is the book's melancholy tone. While things finish well, this is no fairy tale. The main character has to deal with an absent mother, a detached father, and schoolmates with whom she has trouble relating. In some ways, however, the sad nature of the book gives many opportunities for lessons to be learned.
Because of the book's focus on relationships, occasionally the book lacks action. Students who require constant adventure and action will sometimes be left disappointed. However, the author does pepper in exciting moments, such as the thunderstorm at the end. Additionally, each chapter ends with a cliff-hanger, leaving students hungry for more.
Personal appraisal of the book:
This is a book that I would highly recommend to middle school students. It is one chock-full of life lessons, and will teach students many important ideas that they can use for the rest of their lives. It would be especially relevant for students who have lost someone close to them, like a mother or father. The book shows that a tragic loss must not be someone's undoing. India Opal, though she struggled, ultimately came to appreciate her father's own frustrations. In the end, Winn-Dixie did not save India Opal, but merely provided a canvass on which to paint her memories, dreams, and dreads.
I read this book aloud to my classroom of 30 fifth graders. I am happy to say that they were captivated all the way through, and grew very angry when I decided that I could only read them one chapter. They always wanted more.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A32KC17WS4E76S
|
