Because of Winn-Dixie facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Kate DiCamillo |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press (US) Walker Books (UK) |
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Publication date
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March 2000 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 182 pp. |
| ISBN | 0-7636-0776-2 |
| OCLC | 41601218 |
| Followed by | The Tiger Rising |
Because of Winn-Dixie is a popular children's novel written by Kate DiCamillo. It was first published in 2000. This heartwarming story won a Newbery Honor award in 2001, which is a big deal for children's books! It also won the Josette Frank Award in 2000 and the Mark Twain Award in 2003. The book was even made into a movie in 2005, directed by Wayne Wang. The film starred AnnaSophia Robb as the main character, Opal.
The U.S. National Education Association thought Winn-Dixie was so good that they listed it as one of their "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children" in 2007. In 2012, it was ranked number 20 among all-time children's novels by School Library Journal.
Contents
Discovering Friendship: The Story of Opal and Winn-Dixie
This section tells you all about the exciting things that happen in the book.
Opal's New Home and a Special Dog
The story begins with a 10-year-old girl named India Opal Buloni. She has just moved to a trailer park in Naomi, Florida. Opal lives with her father, who is a preacher at the local church. One day, while at the supermarket, Opal sees a scruffy dog causing a bit of a mess. She decides to take him home. She names him Winn-Dixie, after the supermarket chain where she found him.
Stories from Miss Franny Block
Opal soon meets Miss Franny Block, who is the local librarian. Miss Franny loves to share amazing stories from her past. One of her stories is about her great-grandfather. His family members died while he was fighting in the Civil War. He invented special candies called Litmus Lozenges. These candies tasted like root beer and strawberry. But they also had a secret ingredient: sadness.
Anyone who ate these candies tasted sweetness mixed with a bit of sadness. In Because of Winn-Dixie, these candies show that even when life brings some sadness, there is always much to be thankful for. Opal also learns that her neighbor, Amanda Wilkinson, lost her younger brother Carson. He drowned in the town lake the summer before. Opal decides to be kinder to Amanda after learning this.
Working at Gertrude's Pets
Opal wants to buy a collar for Winn-Dixie. But she doesn't have any money. So, she decides to work at the local pet store. The store is called Gertrude's Pets. Otis, who works there, is not sure about hiring Opal to clean. But Opal insists on working.
When Opal and Winn-Dixie first go into the store, the animals get scared when they see the big dog. To calm them down, Otis plays his guitar. Opal learns that Otis once got into trouble with a police officer. The officer told him he couldn't play his guitar on the street. Otis had to go to jail for a short time because of it.
Meeting Gloria Dump and Planning a Party
One day, while Opal is riding her bike, Winn-Dixie runs ahead. They meet a kind woman named Gloria Dump. Opal and Gloria quickly become good friends. They decide to throw a small party together. They invite everyone they know.
During the party planning, Opal becomes friends with some kids who used to be mean to her. These are the brothers Stevie and Dunlap Dewberry. She also invites Amanda Wilkinson and a younger girl named Sweetie Pie Thomas. Sweetie Pie doesn't have a pet, so she loves Winn-Dixie very much. Otis and Miss Franny Block are also invited to the party.
The Party and a Stormy Surprise
Opal and Gloria set up everything for the party outdoors. But then it starts to rain! So, they quickly move the party inside. Opal suddenly can't find Winn-Dixie anywhere. She searches all over town for him.
Ten minutes later, she returns to Gloria's home. She finds Winn-Dixie there all along! He was hiding because he is scared of storms. The book ends with Otis playing his guitar. Everyone at the party sings one of The Preacher's songs together. It's a happy ending for all the new friends.
See also
In Spanish: Gracias a Winn-Dixie para niños
