Plot Summary: Winn Dixie is definitely not the cutest dog, but when 10 year old Opal finds him inside the grocery story making a mess and being chased by the manager, she realizes that she needs to save him. So, she takes him home, gives him a bath, and names him after the store that he was wrecking. After all, Opal's father has always told her that it's their job to help those in need. Winn Dixie is her only friend so far in this new town.
Opal's father is a preacher and they just moved to Naomi, Florida, a tiny little town whose inhabitants are somewhat odd and seem to keep to themselves. Opal doesn't remember her mother since she left when Opal was only three. The preacher doesn't like to talk about her, so Opal knows nothing about her and often wonders what her mama was like. Opal is lonely, and hangs on tightly to the little pieces of information that her father shares about her mama since it's all she has. This is a heartwarming story about how this poor, unwanted dog helps this young girl gain the courage to reach out and find friendship, as well as to grow closer to her father.
Genre: Realistic fiction
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, dogs, loneliness
Awards: Newbery Honor Book
Reviews: Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist
Age Group: Grades 4-6
High Interest Annotation: For dog lovers everywhere
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