Because of Winn-DIxie

The novel Because of Winn-Dixie By Kate DiCamillo is a realistic fiction novel that encompasses the life of Opal, a young girl who moves to Naomi, Florida with her father. The reader quickly learns that Opal’s father, The Preacher, is a single parent of a very unique and loving girl. Since Opal is new to Naomi and lonely she is desperate for companionship. Her first friend in her new home is Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie is similar to Opal because he couldn’t stand to be left alone, like Opal could never get over her mother leaving. Through the help of Winn-Dixie Opal opens herself up to new friendships and experiences.

Every day during Opal’s first summer in Naomi was an interesting one. She and Winn-Dixie befriended Otis from Getrude’s Pets, Miss Franny from the library, and Gloria Dump who is visually impaired. Through these individuals Opal learns their stories and the sorrow they experienced. Otis is an ex-convict who only has his animals to share his love of music with. Miss Franny told her story of Littmus loosing his family in a fire, and Gloria shares her battle with alcoholic. Gloria also shares with Opal the drowning of Amanda’s brother. Carson.

I chose to read this book for a literacy course that I am currently taking. After reading this novel I learned that, Opal’s story is relatable for young children and adults. It embraces sorrow, relationships, love, hope, and humor. For example, through Winn-Dixie and all of Opal’s new friends she was able to tackle her past. In the beginning of the novel, the reader meets a young naive girl who focuses on her mother not being present in her life. As the novel progresses, Opal encounters new people, such as Gloria who helps her accept the absence of her mother. Gloria also is able to show Opal how to feel close to her mother. For instance, Gloria helped Opal plant a tree because Opal’s mother was a gardener.

Even though DiCamillo touches on serious topics, such as loosing a parent, she is also able to bring humor into the story as well. For example, after Opal adopted Winn-Dixie the preacher and her quickly learned that Winn-Dixie hates being alone. The preacher allowed Opal to bring Winn-Dixie to church as long as the dog stayed tied up outside. However, that did not last long because as the preacher was trying to preach howls were echoing through the church.

DiCamillo writes, “He wasn’t but two or three words into his sermon when there was a terrible howl coming from outside.

The preacher tried to ignore it.

“Today,” he said.

“Aaaaaarrooo,” said Winn-Dixie.

“Please,” said the preacher.

“Arrrroooowwww,” said Winn-Dixie back.

“Friends,” said the preacher.

“Arrruiiiiipppp,” wailed Winn-Dixie….

“Opal,” said the preacher.

“Owwwwww,” said Winn-Dixie.

“Yes sir?” I said.

“Go get that dog!” he yelled.

“Yes sir!” I yelled back.

Although the preacher was against Winn-Dixie being in the church, he caved in and allowed it!

DiCamillo was able to write this story in a way that brushed upon many topics without making the reader feel overwhelmed. According to Betsy Groban of the New York Times this novel is “a poignant and delicately told story”. DiCamillo is able to skillfully write a piece that triggers emotions in all readers. Parts of the plot reminded me of the story Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Clearly. Although the protagonist is male, readers learn about his difficult life. The protagonist, Leigh lives with his mother in a very small home and is very lonely; similar to Opal living with her father and being alone in a new town.

This was a well-written and thought evoking novel that I would recommend anyone to read. Every time I read it I find something else that I enjoy about it.