I really like both the book and the movie of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.  I normally don’t like the movie as much, but I really enjoyed this one, equally.  Every time I read the book, I go through all of my emotions, happy, sad, mad, relief, and more.  Any book that makes me laugh out loud, cry, and hold my breath rank pretty high with me.  I thought Kate really captured the spirit of Opal with her words and her actions in the book.  Her characters were so believable.  The ending wasn’t a happily ever after, but it was still a strong good ending, leaving the reader with hope for Opal’s future.  I loved the book because a lot was left to the reader’s imagination.

I really liked the movie, too.  Some details were explained further in the movie than the book.  Some funny parts were added so that the story wasn’t too serious.  You need those laughter beaks every now and then when serious topics are being told. My students really were engrossed in both the book and the movie.  They too, went through their emotions as the story unveiled itself.  I also liked having faces to the names in the books.  It was a stellar cast, too.  A lot of strong acting went on.

Overall, I liked them both.  I am a hard sell when it comes to books turned into movie.  However, this one won my heart!