This novel is about Opal, a young girl who feels like she all alone in the world. Her father is a preacher and he spends the majority of his time dealing with the church and her mother left when she was very young. Until one day she finds Winn Dixe, a dog, in the local grocery store. Opal and Winn Dixie develop a friendship. When Winn Dixie causes a turning point in her life. She becomes friends with the children in her community and elderly people. But most importantly she begins to feel more loved by her father.

This book really means alot to me. My favorite teacher, who passed away because of breast cancer, gave it to me as a christmas present, a couple of years before she passed away. I plan on using the novel in the classroom when i began teaching.

Classroom extension: 1) This novel could be used to teach about how important friendships are and have a discussion about the decesions Opal makes throughout the book. 2)This novel could also draw off a community service lesson. ( )