Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
published by Candlewick Press
182 pages

Review by Mollie, age 12

India's mother left her and her father when she was only three years old. Her dad never even talks about her mom because he misses her so much and feels uncomfortable when India tries to bring her up. He spends all of his time helping other people at the church where he is the preacher. When Because of Winn-Dixie begins, India and the preacher (as she calls him) have just moved to a new town.

India doesn't have any friends in the new town. Unless you count the two boys with weird haircuts from across the street who always tease her. She is really lonely. One day India goes to the grocery store to buy some macaroni and cheese, wild rice, and two plump tomatoes.

She comes back with a dog. "He was a big dog. And ugly...He skidded to a stop and smiled right at me. I had never before in my life seen a dog smile, but that is what he did." She just had to rescue him from the grocery store manager. I mean, who wouldn't? The dog has a great sense of humor, a nice smile, and nice manners. Her dad lets her keep the dog, who she names Winn-Dixie, after the grocery store.

With the help of Winn-Dixie, she slowly starts making friends like Otis at the pet store, Miss Franny Block, the librarian, and Gloria Dump, the dog-eating witch. Winn-Dixie is her best friend though and she tells him everything! He listens to her talk about her mom, the boys across the street, her father, the highs and lows in life.

Winn-Dixie even gives India the courage to talk to her dad.

One day at India's dog picnic (in honor of Winn-Dixie of course), Winn-Dixie disappears. In the scurry of looking for her dog, India realizes that Winn-Dixie means more to her than she ever imagined.

In life, we should all know how lucky we are to have families, friends, and our pets who love and care about us. I felt really good after I finished Winn-Dixie. It made me think how lucky I am. So, do yourself a favor and go get the book. Read it to your dog. I'm sure he or she will enjoy it!

Dads can be hard to understand sometimes. They can even be dorks!