Because of Winn Dixie

Title: Because of Winn Dixie
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Genre:  Realistic Fiction
Sub-genre: Young Readers
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date of Publication: 2000
Award: Newberry Honor Award
Primary /Secondary Characters: India Opal Buloni/ Father (preacher), Miss Franny, Otis, and Gloria Dump
Theme: Making Friends
Summary: India Opal Buloni just moved to a small town in Florida with her father, her mother left when she was younger and her father will not talk about her. Opal is lonley and sad because she has no friends. One day while she was at the Winn-Dixie grocery store Opal found a dog. She ends up naming him Winn Dixie after the store and gets to keep him. Together Opal and Winn Dixie make friends with the locals around the town. They meet Otis, Miss Franny, and Gloria Dump which they become really close friends with.Winn Dixie also inspires Opal to convince her father to tell her things about her mother. One day Opal and Gloria were throwing a party when there was a thunderstorm and scared Winn Dixie away. Everyone searches for Winn Dixie including her father, which helps build the between Opal and her father. They end up finding Winn Dixie under the bed. Winn Dixie helps Opal make friends and brings her closer to her father.
Summary of how to use with students: This book could be used to teach students about making friends. Just like Winn Dixie and Opal make friends students can see that they can make friends as well. They can also see how important friendships are and what it truly means to have friend. Because of Winn Dixie is great example of true friendship.