Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie is the story of a lonely girl named Opal who adopts a dog one summer. She names him Winn-Dixie because it was the name of the supermarket where she found him. Winn-Dixie becomes her friend and helps many people in a small town become friends, too. The film is based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo.

“I think the animals are important in the movie because they make it funny and they show God’s real grace.”
— Maura D., age 10

“Because of Winn-Dixie was a GREAT movie and book. When I read the book I got to imagine Winn-Dixie smiling and going to church. In the movie I could see the filmmaker’s ideas, and I liked them.”
— Grace C., age 10

“I like the blind woman, Gloria, the best because I learned a lot from her. She made the movie more interesting.”
— Abby C., age 10

“Opal and her father come to love Winn-Dixie and want to keep him safe.”
— Miriam M., age 10

“Winn-Dixie is special because without him, Opal would have had no friends.”
— Ashleigh Z. age 10

“Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal met new people and saw new places.”
— Maddie T., age 10

Before the movie:

Make a list of books you have read that were made into movies. Talk about if you liked the book or movie better and why.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo won a Newbery Award. Look this award up on the internet and talk about what it means.

After the movie:

Write a review of the movie for your family or your class. Be sure to include what the story is about and what the story really means to you.

Reviewed by students at St. Joan of Arc School in Lisle, IL.