Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

What kind of kid names a dog after a grocery store? India Opal Buloni is not your typical 10 year old. She lives with her father, whom she refers to as "the preacher", in a trailer park in Florida.

Students in our class think that she's:

1. Kind: She saved a dog from being sent to the pound.
2. Quiet: She was considered an "exception" by the manager of the adults only trailer park because of her good behaviour.

We'll add more as we read the novel over the next few weeks.

About the Author

Kids Reads: Where did the idea for BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE come from?
Kate DiCamillo: I think it came from longing: longing for home and longing for a dog. I wrote the story during the worst winter on record in Minnesota (brrrrr!) when I was missing Florida (where I grew up); also, my apartment building does not allow dogs. But imaginary dogs aren't against the rules. So I made one up to keep me (and Opal) company.