Because of Winn Dixie: Newberry Book #1

DiCamillo, K. (2000). Because of winn dixie. Los Angeles: Candlewick Press.

This book tells the tale of a young girl, a preacher's daughter, whom which was left by her mother at a young age. Even though the little girl is being raised by her father, she is extremely lonely and has very few friends. While in the grocery store, a loveable mutt makes a mess and Opal has to take him home. The two become inseperable and Winn Dixie, the dog, makes her many friends that she never knew existed, mostly outcasts like herself that she was too afraid to speak to before knowing their stories.
A true animal lover, I was right at home reading this book! DiCamillo does a wonderful job telling this story and one can't help but fall in love with every character in this book. Anyone who has ever taken in a stray can imagine what a wonderful creature that Winn Dixie is and can see Opal's love for the dog. This story proves that mutts can make the best pets!
I have not read any other books by DiCamillo, but after reading this book, if I run across another title with her as the author, you can bet that i will read it!