Author: Kate DiCamillo
Title: Because of Winn Dixie
Illustrator: n/a
Publisher: Candlewick
Year: 2001
Genre: contemporary fiction
Format: paperback
Reading Level: Independent
Interest level: late elementary
Topics: winn-dixie, preacher, daughter, dog
Summary: This is a story about a preacher and his daughter and when they move to Florida. Opal goes into the local grocery store which is called Winn-Dixie and ends up coming out with a dog. The dog is very dirty but Opal feels bad for it. She names the dog Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie is better at making friends that anyone Opal has every known. Winn-Dixie becomes Opal's companion throughout the book.
Extension Activity: After reading the book, have the kids watch the movie. Have them compare and contrast the movie and book and see what each student comes up with.
