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Because of Winn-DixieKate DiCamillo

Middle grade contemporary fiction

Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

192 pages · First published 2000

Opal moves to a Florida town with her preacher father and adopts a scruffy dog she names Winn-Dixie after the supermarket where they meet. The dog helps her make friends with lonely neighbors, including a librarian, a musician, and a woman carrying old grief. Opal's questions about her absent mother gradually change the community around her. Gentle and funny, this novel is a lovely summer read about friendship, forgiveness, and belonging.

Paired for this story

Southern Sweet Tea + Rosie Spritz

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Parental abandonment · Grief and loneliness · Alcoholism discussed · Mild animal peril

Alcohol-Free Pour

Southern Sweet Tea

Florida sweet tea belongs at Opal's gathering of lonely people, stories, and second chances.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Stir simple syrup and lemon juice into chilled tea. Serve over ice.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Rosie Spritz

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A sunny spritz fits a story where one scruffy dog turns strangers into a warm, improbable community.

What you'll need

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Fill a wine glass with ice. Add Aperol and sparkling wine, top with soda water, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Orange slice.
  3. Glassware: Wine glass.

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