Because of Winn Dixie

Growing up, I had seen the movie but had never read the book. Again in my Children’s Literature course, I signed up to read this novel for a discussion day in class. The author, Kate Dicamillo, views herself as a storyteller and wouldn’t want it any other way. This sweet, contemporary realistic fiction novel illustrates a story of a young girl who at first is quick to judge and has trouble finding friends when she moves to a different town. Then one day she finds a playful and loving dog and names him Winn Dixie. The story has a simple plot and can be an easy read if a student is looking for something to read for fun.

A review of this book, done by Matt Berman, states “This exceptional first novel joins a genre of stories without villains that hold the reader instead through the charm of characters, the delight of the events, and the lyricism of the writing.” Although this book doesn’t have the qualities of an action book or the intensity of a science fiction novel, it does have a heart-warming story, where the main character, who is also the narrator, creates very honest opinions of people and doesn’t hold them in. This exposure to young students is beneficial to students, giving them a perspective of an honest way of living and being truthful upfront.