Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Genre: Fiction

Subgenre: Realistic
Primary Characters: India Opal, Winn-Dixie, and Preacher

Secondary Characters: Mrs. Franny, Mr. Otis, Gloria Dump, Amanda, Sweetie Pie and the twins

Publishing: Candlewick Press 2000

Awards: Newbery Medal 2001

Theme: Friendship is essential to growing up and can get you thorugh anything. 

Summary: India Opal has only one parent. Her mother abonded her and her father when she was really young. India moves to a new town with her father the preacher. Upon her arrival she finds a dog in a supermarket whom she promptly names Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, India was able to make new friends during her first summer in Naomi. 

In a classroom, this book could be used to do literary analysis of different characters, setting, and plot. Also in order to incorporate writing, the students could write about their experiences when moving to a new town, a pet they once had, or about the friends they have made over time.