I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down the entire time I was reading it. The author really did a great job with catching the reader's attention. I could relate to how Opal felt about moving to a new town with no friends and such. Before the ninth grade, my family and I moved five times. It was really hard for me to make friends and fit in at the beginning also, much like Opal's own experience. It really surprised me how accepting Opal's father was about keeping the dog when Opal first found Winn Dixie. I have found many stray animals in my lifetime and my parents would never let me keep any of them. I really liked how the author made the preacher so warm and understanding. I also really liked the passage about Otis playing music for the animals. I thought that really portrayed Otis' personality and his sensitive side. One of my favorite characters was Miss Franny. She was such a sweet lady. The author really made the characters come to life and seem so real and personal. I think this is a book that any age, any person can enjoy.