Because of Winn-Dixie
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Published: 2000
My Rating: 
My name is India Opal Buloni, and last summer my daddy, the preacher, sent me to the store for a box of macaroni-and-cheese, some white rice, and two tomatoes and I came back with a dog.
During the summer that Opal and her father move to Naomi, Florida, she finds a mutt running around the Winn-Dixie grocery store. Opal saves the dog from the pound and he does so much for her. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal learns ten things about her mother, who walked out when she was three, from her father. Ten things for each year that Opal has been alive. The summer is hot and life changing for everyone that meets Winn-Dixie. Opal certainly isn’t the only one learning a couple things from this fun-loving dog.
(I keep my reviews as spoiler free as possible. I’ll warn you if I’m about to get revealing.)
I can remember the amount of times I was the new girl; a few times in elementary school until fifth grade and then when I went off to college. It’s scary and nerve-wracking because you don’t know anybody and everybody stares and whispers and determines whether you’re friend material or not. It is uncomfortable. Opal and Winn-Dixie squash all of that. They inspire me, even to this day, because the pair are bold, kind, and friendly to every person they meet. They have a magic in bringing people together and making them feel special throughout this book.
If you haven’t read the book then you’ve probably seen the 2005 movie of the same name. While most movies don’t seem to do their books enough justice, this one was quite special. AnnaSophia Robb, the same girl who was in the movie adaptation of Bridge to Terabithia, took up the role of Opal. The movie did a wonderful job in recreating the story, capturing the scenery I always imagined as well as what Winn-Dixie looked and acted like.
There is so much that can be learned from this book. It’s why I recommend it to a lot to those that come in my store searching for that coming-of-age book. Forgiveness, acceptance, and kindness are only a few of the elements. This book really is heartwarming and I’m glad I was able to find my copy and reread it. I’ve had it since the fourth grade and my name and phone number are still on the inside cover, and yes, my handwriting is still really crappy. LOL. I can write, I just can’t write. Not well anyhow and I’ve been trying for years.
I recommend this book to every person no matter how old they you are. It’s truly beautiful and inspirational. I just don’t have anything bad to say about it. This book earned its awards rightfully. I can’t remember the teacher that picked this book out for me, but I’m incredibly grateful.
Quotables:
“Opal, I believe Winn-Dixie has a pathological fear of thunderstorms.” (preacher to Opal, p. 76)
“There goes the preacher’s daughter, visiting the witch.” (Stevie to Dunlap, p. 89)
“It is a sorrow-filled world.” (Miss Franny to Opal, p. 115)
More to come soon…
-K.
P.S. Song today? Boondocks by Little Big Town.
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