Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

Movie Update, February 2005:

We went to see the movie version of Because of Winn-Dixie on opening night, with the three kids, now ages 10, 7, and 4. The movie was okay, definitely not great, which is a disappointment because the book was SO GOOD. The movie came across as more of an after-school special, and failed to hold the kids’ attention, because there’s not a lot of drama or excitement to the story--that’s not why we loved the book so much.

Unfortunately, movies often fail to live up to the book on which they are based because it’s impossible to portray the depth of character and detail that we can enjoy in the pages of a book. Of course, as a writer, author, and self-proclaimed book fanatic, I could be biased, but I urge parents to read and enjoy Because of Winn-Dixie with your children.

Previously published book review, which appeared on RebelHousewife.com in 2003:

Because of Winn-Dixie
By Kate DiCamillo
(192 pages, Candlewick Press (paperback), 2001)

Because of Winn-Dixie is written for 9- to 12-year-old readers, and is a Newbery Honor Book (2001).

We LOVED Because of Winn-Dixie! I read it aloud with Zach, age 8, and Haleigh, age 5, and we were all completely wrapped up in the story and characters; especially the dog, Winn-Dixie, who is ‘nervous’ during thunder and lightning storms, just like Zach and our dog, Shaney. Although there is some difficult subject matter (previous abandonment by mother), there is also much that young children can identify with and relate to: being a stranger in a new place, making friends, finding and fitting into your own special niche. It is unusual to find a really good book that we can read together and all--including Mom!--enjoy so much.

The 10-year-old main character, India Opal, moves to a small town in Florida with her father and finds a new friend in a stray dog she finds at the Winn-Dixie (hence, the name she gives to the dog). Winn-Dixie not only fills a void and loneliness for Opal, the dog helps Opal make other friends among the eccentric and unusual characters she discovers in her new life.

Note: Haleigh, Zach and I also read Kate DiCamillo’s second book, The Tiger Rising (Candlewick Press, 2002). I can’t recommend it for younger children because of more difficult subject matter (the death of a parent, emotional issues and severe bullying), presented with very little humor or fun. Not a happy ending. Maybe more appropriate for an older audience. I did notice one 11-year-old reviewer on Amazon.com said, and I quote: “This Story Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”