Because of Winn-Dixie

When Opal catches a stray dog at the local Winn-Dixie supermarket, little does she know that he will end up changing her life. As Opal and Winn-Dixie (she named the dog after the place she found him) travel around their new home in Naomi, Florida Opal gets a chance to meet many people she otherwise wouldn't and bring them all together, too!

This is a sweet story about not jumping to conclusions and finding the best in people. Young readers will relate to Opal's love for Winn-Dixie as well as her feelings of lonliness in a new place. ( )

Summary:
In this story, Opal has just moved to a new town and she finds a stray dog that she names Winn-Dixie. Everything that happens to Opal seems to be beacuse of her new dog. Winn-Dixie seems to help Opal make new friends all over town. He also gives Opal the courage to ask her dad about her mother.

Personal Response:
This is a great story about friendship. You'll want to go out and buy a dog after reading it. This would be a good book for someone who is moving to a new town or for anyone who likes a feel good story.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. In the story Opal has a list of 10 things she knows about her mother. I would have my students write a list of 10 things about someone that is important to them.
2. In the story Gloria Dump has Opal tell her about herself so she can see her with her heart. I would have my class write a paper about the things that are improtant to them as if they were telling it to Gloria.

Summary:
Opal’s mother left her when she was young and her father is a preacher who moves around as needed. When they move to Naomi, Florida, Opal feels so alone until she goes to a grocery store and finds a stray dog whom she names Winn-Dixie! Winn-Dixie becomes her best friend and they began to meet new people! Gloria Dump and Opal plan a gathering and invites everyone in the town to come and everything is going great until the thunderstorm rolls in and Winn-Dixie disappears!

Personal Reaction:
I love this book! I think it is a lot of fun to read and has a little mystery to it! What happens to Winn-Dixie? Does her mother ever come back?

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. As a class take turns reading the story out loud making sure everyone gets a turn! Then at the end of each chapter have them write a chapter review, and after every couple chapters give them a quiz. After we are done with the book have them take a test, and if we have time we can watch the movie.
2. Have each student write a letter to the author telling her how they felt about the book and there personal opinion.

Summary: This book is about a little girl who is kind of a loner until she finds a stray dog and they go on many adventures and become best friends.

Personal Reaction: Growing up I loved this book and this book was even the reason why I wanted a dog. I think it helps kids to realize there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I think it also makes kids realize how much responsibility comes with having a dog.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. In the classroom we could talk about what animal we would like to have in our home and write a letter to our parents asking for one.
2. In the classroom we could talk about the responsibilities of having a pet might entail.

In the spirit of 10-year-old India Opal Buloni, who likes to make lists, here are 10 things I like about Because of Winn-Dixie:
1. Winn-Dixie is a friendly dog who smiles.
2. Opal's daddy is a preacher, just like my daddy was.
3. Opal's friend Miss Franny Block is librarian who likes children and dogs.
4. Opal's shy friend Otis has a gift for music with the ability to charm both people and animals.
5. The story reminds me that the best cure for loneliness is to look for opportunities to do something good for someone else.
6. It reminds me not to “judge people by the things they done. You got to judge them by what they are doing now.”
7. It reminds me that “There ain't no way you can hold on to something that wants to go... You can only love what you got while you got it.”
8. It illustrates the possibility of finding family within a community.
9. The characters and their voices are exactly right.
10. It's just as good as the movie, a favorite that I could watch over and over again. ( )