Rott-N-Literature: Because of Winn-Dixie

Writer's block is an evil, elusive creature that is quite the monster to fight. Alas, as this month wanes and next quickly approaches, I must finally admit defeat for now and simply give you guys another book review. But rest assured, I'm already working on an actual TOPIC for next month. Sorry, all.

Rott-N-Literature

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Di Camillo

For this month's title, we're taking a trip back to the children's department, again. This sweet story, while it deals with some difficult themes, is also peppered with a lot of humor. Personally, I think the book would appeal to children reading anywhere from a high-level third to a fifth grade level. But actually, the story is charming enough for all ages to enjoy.

Because of Winn-Dixie is actually Di Camillo's first book. It became a Newberry Honor Book in 2001, which is quite an accomplishment for a debut author.

The book tells the story of India Opal Buloni, or "Opal" to her friends. Opal is a spunky 10 year old who lives with her father, a preacher in rural Florida. Her mother abandoned the family when Opal was little more than a baby, a loss that still haunts both father and child.

At the beginning of the story, Opal has just moved to the small town of Naomi, Florida, when her father became the new pastor for a local church. Opal is less than thrilled with the move. Suddenly, she finds herself separated from all of her friends in a place where very few other children live. And those that do live there don't really seem like "friends material".

Things change for the lonely little girl when her father sends her on a fateful trip to the local supermarket. But instead of groceries, Opal brings home one very big and very scruffy stray dog (he looks like an Irish Wolfhound on the cover of the book). She names the dog "Winn-Dixie", after the store where she found him.

Soon after the friendly, and extremely goofy, dog joins the family, Opal's life begins to take a turn for the better. First, not only does she now have a best friend, but caring for Winn-Dixie is something that helps bond her closer to her father, who also falls in love with the dog. Winn-Dixie's charm and easygoing manner draws other people toward him, too. It's hard to ignore a dog that ambles up to you and grins with all of his teeth, especially when that dog is the size of a pony.

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