Dicamillo, K. (2009).
Because of Winn-Dixie. Cambridge: Candlewick.
India Opal Buloni (Opal), Gloria, Otis, and her father, the preacher, are the main characters in the award winning chapter book. The story takes place Naomi, Florida. Opal comes from a dysfunctional family, whose mother left and father is a preacher. She has no friends and finds life lonely and unjustified. Opal makes friends with other diverse members of her community, who come together and help her learn to accept what life has given her. The climax would be when Opal has a party, bringing all her new friends together. We learn that everyone has something to offer and her party is sure to be a huge success. Throughout the story line, Opal is working her father to tell her 10 things about her mother - She never wants to forget and he tries to forget. As we learn the 10 things about her mom, the preacher is forced to not only relive the memories, but learns to accept the consequences - the best thing being with Opal.
Kate DiCamillo uses the literary element of Understatement in this book. Throughout the story as we learn about how the preacher reacts to different situations, we actually understand what he is going through. I think Unexpected insights is another element used in this book, as Opal befriends a very interesting group of individuals, who actually have something to offer.
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