Because of Winn – Dixie by Kate Dicamillo [Author of Tale of Despereaux]

This book is about a girl named Opal that finds a dog making a mess in the supermarket. He was not that clean of a dog. Then, she brings the dog back to her home. She names him Winn-Dixie, because that was the name of the supermarket that she found the dog. She cares for the Winn – Dixie and makes new friends in the town because of Winn – Dixie. Also, because of the Winn – Dixie Opal was able to ask about her mom, which she was shy and never questioned her dad about. On the last day before the book ends, something tense happens, but I will not really go into that part. Because I might spoil the story.

The characters are Opal, Opal’s dad, Winn Dixie, Ms. Franny Block, Gloria Dump, Otis, Sweetie Pie Thomas. There are more characters, but these are the characters that are friends with Opal. 1. Opal. She is the main girl in the book she saves Winn Dixie. Also, becomes friends with the people in that new neighborhood. 2nd Opal’s dad. He is Opal’s dad, andhe is also called the preacher. Because he is a preacher. He knows the secrets about mom. 3rd Winn Dixie. Winn Dixie is not a human; it is a dog. It helps Opal make friend and is very friendly to people. Fourth Ms. Franny Block. She is the librarian, who is kind to Opal. She thought Winn Dixie was a wild animal. But later finds out that it isn’t. She also loves telling stories about herself. Fifth Gloria Dump. She is often called the witch in the book that everyone misunderstands about her. But Opal approaches her and finds out she isn’t a witch. Sixth Otis. He is a man from a pet shop. He hired Opal to clean the pet shop for him then later became friends. Seventh Sweetie Pie Thomas. She is a little girl who likes dogs. She also loves the color pink. She invited Opal to her birthday party. Remember there are other characters that were not mentioned here.

The lesson I learned is that even though you are in a new place you don’t know anyone. Don’t worry if you step out they will most likely accept. Opal also kind of found her second family in her new community.

There are 26 chapter. There is no heading. The book has 182 pages. It might sound a lot, but it is actually not that much because the words inside the pages are big and they don’t fill up the whole page. But, there are no pictures. I would recommend this book for end of 3rd grade and beginning of 4th grade. I read it at middle of 4th grade, so it was easier than expected.