Read 2: July 9th, 2021
2.5 stars

Because of Winn-Dixie is, in general, a sweet book. Kate DiCamillo skillfully addresses themes of loss and judging people before you know them. Its central message of looking underneath the surface and holding back judgement before knowing someone is a great one for kids. I also admire how DiCamillo tackled our protagonist, Opal's grief at losing her mother. DiCamillo's writing was strong and she evoked atmosphere and setting well. Her characters were distinct and memorable and Opal was a charming protagonist.

Unfortunately, despite its strengths, I can't recommend this book. This is because at one point in the narrative Opal is told a story about a young Confederate soldier and in its telling the book regurgitates racist revisionist history. In the book, a character spouts the myth of the Civil War being equally about states' rights and slavery. This myth is often used to minimize the fact that the Confederacy seceded from the union and fought a war to maintain the disgusting institution of slavery. The casual way this lie is told in a story intended for children is revolting and I'm infuriated by it.

I remember loving Because of Winn-Dixie as a kid and I'm disappointed that neither the text itself or the teachers who assigned this book to me in grade school ever thought to challenge the racist rhetoric in its pages.

Content Warning: Use of the 'R' slur (challenged on-page)

Read 1: March 7th, 2013
Don't watch the movie first