Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni's mother walked out on her seven years ago, and she's been asking about her ever since — so that she won't forget her mom. But when she moves to Naomi, Florida, and befriends a lively stray dog, the canine helps her meet some unusual characters who teach her about love, life, and forgiveness.

Ages: 8, 10
Interest Level: Grades 3 - 5
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.1
Lexile Measure: 610L
DRA: 40
Guided Reading: R
Book Type: Chapter Book
Number of Pages: 192
Genre: Realistic Fiction

About the Author

Kate DiCamillo Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo wrote her first book, Because of Winn-Dixie , because she was homesick for Florida, where she grew up. She discovers, rather than creates, her very lifelike characters.