Why am I passionate about this?
I know from my own experience how much kids need books that deal honestly with hard things and point to hope. When I was in fifth grade, a friend was killed by a car while walking to school. I had moved to town not long before; this boy was the first friend I’d made, and suddenly, he was gone. Soon after, I found a novel called Bridge to Terabithia, the story of a fifth-grader, Jess, who loses a friend in an accident. It made me cry, but it was healing: I felt less alone and found strength in watching Jess find his way forward despite his grief.
John's book list on middle-grade tough topics hope and compassion
Why did John love this book?
I found this book when I had kids of my own, and it reminded me how powerful, beautiful, and important kids' books can be. Because of Winn-Dixie touches on alcoholism, loss, and regret.
I was astonished by what DiCamillo has done here because I know how hard it is to pull off: She’s written a profound story that resonated with me and my kids and does it with a beautifully light touch.
Her writing is luminous and points to something I think is so important for kids to understand: We’re all carrying sorrows and regrets. This connects us, and we lighten our burdens by opening our hearts to each other.
13 authors picked Because of Winn-Dixie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Funny and poignant, this 2001 Newbery Honor novel captures life in a quirky Southern town as Opal and her mangy dog, Winn-Dixie, strike up friendships among the locals.
One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries - and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that…
- Coming soon!