Because of Winn-Dixie

Opal walks inside the Winn-Dixie store the summer she moves to Naomi, Florida with her preacher father, and when she comes out she has a puppy. An enormous, ugly, suffering dog with a great sense of humor. She calls the dog Winn-Dixie. The pastor tells Opal 10 things about her mother, who is missing, one for every year that Opal has been alive, thanks to Winn-Dixie. Opal had never encountered someone who can make friends as well as Winn-Dixie, and together they meet Miss Franny Block, the town librarian, who once used a copy of WAR AND PEACE to fend off a bear. They encounter Otis, an ex-convict who lets the animals in his pet store go wild after hours while lulling them with his guitar, and Gloria Dump, who is almost blind but sees with her heart.

Opal thinks about her mother and gathers anecdotes about her new acquaintances over that long, lovely summer. Opal, however, learns to let go—just a little—because of Winn-Dixie, or maybe because she has matured. Friendship and forgiveness might come as a surprise like an unexpected summer storm.

The cherished, internationally acclaimed first book by Kate DiCamillo is now accessible in paperback digest format.

Like Winn-Dixie himself, Kate DiCamillo's first published book proved to be a hit right away, becoming a New York Times bestseller, Newbery Honor recipient, popular film inspiration, and most importantly, a beloved classic that appeals to readers of all ages. Now that it's in paperback digest edition, more readers will undoubtedly experience the enchantment of this story.