Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
Book
Summary:
India Opal has just
moved to a new town, Naomi Florida, with her pastor father. Her mother has deserted them and she and her
father do not speak much—to each other and about the past. Indiana is lonely and finds a new friend—a lost
dog she calls Winn-Dixie, because she found him there in the grocery store. This summer of friendship and discovery
create this warm, enjoyable Newbery Honor book winner.
APA
Reference:
DiCamillo,
K. (2000). Because of Winn-Dixie. Candlewick Press
My Impressions:
This is an easy, upbeat read
for middle-school students. It shows individual
courage for the young protagonist—how she conquerors her fears of new
surroundings, loneliness, and her father’s silence. There was no fast-paced action, but plenty of
thoughtful contemplation on friendship and relationships.
Professional Review:
James gives a summary of the
story with recommendations for grades 4-6.
India misses her mother more than usual and convinces her father to
reveal 10 things about her mother, who abandoned the two of them when she was
three. James gives a thumbs-up for this
book to be placed in libraries as a “well-crafted, realistic, and
heartwarming story”.
James, H. (2000, June). [Review of the book Because of Winn-Dixie by K. DiCamillo]. School
Library Journal, 45(6), 143. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/.
Library Uses:
Middle-school
counselors would appreciate the gentle approach this book gives on making
friends, finding one’s place in a new community, and visiting with
adults/parents about family matters.
India’s example of coping could be discussed individually with
counselors or as a group in problem solving for middle-school students. 
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