Because of Winn-Dixie

Rating:
Summary: Way To Go, Kate!
Review: One of the things I love best about being a librarian is seeing brand new books as they come in. I was so excited I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw that fellow CHS graduate Kate DiCamillo had written, published and received Newbery recognition for a story so close to home. As children growing up in a very small town in central Florida, my brother, my sister and I did everything with our big black dog, Tosha. She camped with us in a tiny tent in our back yard, curled up in front of the fireplace with us in the winter, swam with us in the summer and sailed with us on our little blue boat. She kept us safe, chased squirrels and raccoons away, and shivered with us under the table during the lightning storms. She never left our side, for as long as she was in our lives. The story of friendship and loyalty between Opal and Winn-Dixie is one that every child (and adult) can relate to. I hope that Oprah's next choice is Because of Winn-Dixie. I'm inspired that stories like this are still being written, and I look forward to reading Kate's next!

Rating:
Summary: A real gem
Review: This book turned out to be my "find" of the summer. I picked it up off the shelf thinking it was just "another dog story" my students would enjoy reading. What I discovered instead was a true gem of a book. This is one of those stories that, like its central character Winn-Dixie, brings people together. I read this book aloud to my third and fourth grade students, and not only did they beg me to read every day, but engaged in thoughtful conversations about the characters. A must read for all elementary students as well as their teachers and parents!

Rating:
Summary: A POIGNANT REMINDER OF THANKFULNESS
Review: Florida born author Kate DiCamillo has written a thoughtful lesson in thankfulness, and Tony Award-winning actress Cherry Jones has provided it with an understanding voice.

Ms. Jones, a stage and screen actress, brings ten-year-old India Opal Buloni to affecting life. India is lonely when she moves to a small Florida town with her minister father. She's friendless until she finds a stray dog that she names Winn-Dixie after the supermarket where they found each other.

Winn-Dixie, she finds, attracts an unusual group whom India befriends. In the process, the young girl adjusts to her new life and discovers all that there is to be thankful for.

We thank both Kate DiCamillo and Cherry Jones for this reminder.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book for all ages!
Review: This is one my favorite books of this year. I read it with my 9 year old and then gave it to my teenager. We all loved it. I have since recommended it to several of my adult friends. This is such a sweet story about friendship, coming of age and growing up in a small southern town. ENJOY!!!!

Rating:
Summary: fun to read
Review: If you're looking for a book that will give you a laugh and is easy to read, this is the book for you. I liked the way the girl made friends with so many unusual people and most of all I liked the dog. It was especially good when the dog was in the church.

Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable
Review: A masterful story, simply told - Ms. de Camillo is to be applauded for her unforgettable book. Always stopping short of cheap sentimentality, this is that rare "children's" book that is a cleanly written slice of life. Believable in its fantasy, fantastic in its believability . . . I highly recommend this wonderful little story. We should all be so lucky to have friends like Opal and Winn-Dixie.

Rating:
Summary: A real gift!
Review: I was given this book by the daughter of a colleague after my precious dog of thirteen years died. What a gift. The story embodies the lessons of life as told through the eyes of a ten year old. It deserves to be reprinted.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT READING FOR THE CLASSROOM
Review: I am a fourth grade teacher working in the inner city of Atlanta, GA. This book touched the lives of myself and the students. It is an excellent book with great characters.

Rating:
Summary: Not a kids book
Review: Although I was introduced to this book during my tenure as a student teacher in fifth grade, this is not a kids book. This is one that anyone who has ever felt left out can enjoy. India Opal is a great character who is wise beyond her ten years. This novel has wonderful descriptions, dialogue, and use of language. Teachers could use as a read aloud and as an example of how to write a personal narrative. I am waiting for Oprah to get a hold of this one for her club and make a movie of the week!

Rating:
Summary: Really good book!
Review: Because of Winn-Dixie is a really cool book. I enjoyed it because I love dogs. It shows how people and dogs can get along. It is very interesting. Once you start reading it you can't stop. It is a book where you get to chapter 18 before you realize it. Because of Winn-Dixie is one of my favorite books.