Because of Winn-Dixie (reading log)

By: Kate DiCamillo

From my reading log (4 May 2007):

203 pages (I had copies in my school library.)

CDs Carver County Library 2:28

Read by: Cherry Jones

Indiana Opal brings home a scruffy dog from the Winn-Dixie store and convinces her father, the Preacher, that the dog is a "less fortunate" in need of her care. She and Winn-Dixie befriend many people in town on their way to letting go of the pain of her mother's leaving.

 

Sweet, sad, joyful story. I love this book! Too bad the protagonist is ten years old - that puts off many middle school readers.

Jones, Cherry - wonderful Southern drawl. Brings the different characters to life.

 

<Above from 2007. Below added February 2026.>

I knew I loved this book and so chose to listen to it again on Libby. I think I need to own a print copy!

 

As Opal visits the elderly librarian, the odd man who works at the pet store and plays guitar, and the "witch" going blind, she and Winn-Dixie are learning about community and caring for others. I just absolutely love this book. It's interesting that the loss of her mother (who left because of alcoholism and the pressure of being a preacher's wife) is not really resolved. DiCamillo is a brilliant storyteller.

India Opal

her dad, "The Preacher"

Miss Franny Block (the librarian)

Littmus Block (Franny's great-grandpa who invented the Littmus Lozenge after the Civil War)

Otis (pet store guitar player)

Gloria Dump, whose Sorrow Tree (or whatever she called it) is testament to her own battles with alcohol

Amanda Wilkinson (little brother Carson)

Dunlap and Stevie Dewberry

Sweetie Pie Thomas

Gertrude (the parrot who sits on Winn-Dixie's head and is very verbal)

 

I just love this book.