Ponder: Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo ©2000 first caught my attention in an editorial where an adult recalled having the book read to him in an elementary grade classroom. The notion that a book, introduced to a child that young, had stuck with that child into adulthood made me consider the book as being worthy of a read myself. Looking into it I learned that Because of Winn-Dixie is a Newbery Honor Book for 2001.

Per Wikipedia

The John Newbery Medal, frequently shortened to the Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children". ... Besides the Newbery Medal, the committee awards a variable number of citations to leading contenders, called Newbery Honors or Newbery Honor Books.

Because of Winn-Dixie is the story of an ugly stray dog that erroneously makes his way into a grocery store and wreaks havoc within. He is claimed and taken home by a young girl named Opal, motherless since the age of two, who is being raised by her father, who is a preacher.  Her father allows her to keep the dog and Opal names the dog after the grocery store Winn-Dixie. Per Wikipedia

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., styled as Winn✓Dixie, is an American supermarket chain headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. It operates more than 546 stores in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The company has had its present name since 1955 and can trace its roots back to 1925.

Opal meets many people in different walks of life. The influence of her father, who advocates kindness and understanding, forms her actions and opinions in herself and others. Is that older woman who lives alone on the outskirts of town really a witch? Is the kind soul who plays music for the animals in the pet store really to be avoided since he, in his earlier life, had a run-in with the law? Are the two brothers who live nearby really to be ignored and shunned since they seem to be guilty of tormenting Opal? Is the librarian really as stiff and unbending as she seems? I loved an early chapter when her daddy tells Opal ten things about her mother. 

Although written very simply, this book teaches young readers strong lessons about being accepting and loving of others. Truthfulness is a non-negotiable trait to be emulated. The general ambience is a breath of fresh air in the current environment of this election year and this time of horrendous weather catastrophes. Poor Winn-Dixie is terrified of thunder. This is a very feel-good book without being preachy or mawkish. I very much enjoyed reading Because of Winn-Dixie and found it quite fitting to be recognized as presenting "distinguished contribution to American literature for children". Amazon cited this book as appropriate for a reading age of 8-10 and a grade level 4-7. I think even younger children can gain a lot of wisdom from Because of Winn-Dixie, even when read to them, if necessary. In the genre of Young Adults books, Because of Winn-Dixie definitely deserves a five star rating.

★★★★★ Great! Read it!