Book Review of Because of Winn-Dixie
The Children’s Book Review
Because of Winn-Dixie
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Ages 9+ | 182 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick (2009) | ISBN-13: 9781536214352
What to Expect: Reality Fiction, Dogs, Family, Friendship, and Community
Did you know that Kate DiCamillo wrote Because of Winn-Dixie during a challenging winter season in Minnesota? Despite her strong desire to visit Florida, she couldn’t afford to go. But instead of giving up on her dream, she decided to transport herself there through her writing. It took her six months to write this incredible book, and one of her favorite characters to create was Gloria Dump. DiCamillo once shared that she would love nothing more than to sit with Gloria in her own backyard and share her problems.
Because of Winn-Dixie centers around Opal, a young girl who has just moved to a new town and is struggling to fit in, she carries the emotional weight of her mother’s absence. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she comes across a stray dog at her local Winn-Dixie store. She takes the lovable canine in and names him after the grocery store where she found him. Through her relationship with the dog, Opal discovers a whole community of charming and dynamic characters, all of whom teach her that everyone struggles with their own challenges. She also learns that forgiveness and friendship can have a profound impact.
Because of Winn-Dixie is a heartwarming story, a delightful read, and offers valuable insights on life and love.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Kate DiCamillo’s writing journey has been a truly remarkable one. She grew up in Florida and moved to Minnesota in her twenties, when homesickness and a bitter winter led her to write Because of Winn-Dixie — her first published novel, which became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. The Tiger Rising, her second novel, was also set in Florida and went on to become a National Book Award finalist. Since then, the best-selling author has explored settings as varied as a medieval castle and a magician’s theater while continuing to enjoy great success, winning two Newbery Medals and being named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She now has over 40 million books in print worldwide.
What to Read Next if You Love Because of Winn-Dixie
- Raymie Nightingale, by Kate DiCamillo
- The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread, by Kate DiCamillo
- The Magician’s Elephant, by Kate DiCamillo
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo
- The Beatryce Prophecy, by Kate DiCamillo
Bianca Schulze reviewed Because of Winn-Dixie. Discover more books like Because of Winn-Dixie by reading our reviews and articles tagged with reality fiction.
