From: Christine Hill <chill>
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 10:42:43 -0500

More random Newbery thoughts-I thought Because of Winn-Dixie was charming and funny. I loved the descriptions of the dog. As a librarian, I'm pleased to have such a short and simple book, accessible to a good third grade reader, honored. However, did anyone else notice that this book is practically the twin of When Zachary Beaver Came to Town? (Yes, I know ZB won the National Book Award, not the Newbery.) Small southern town, rich colloquial speech, seriously eccentric characters, mother disappears, caring but distant father, protagonist learns acceptance of abandonment. Personally, I am skeptical of both Opal's and Toby's acceptance. The children I know who have been abandoned are suffering mightily. I would like to see both these characters as teenagers, to see if they begin acting out their rage. The willingness to give a person their freedom is a rare and very adult characteristic.

Christine M. Hill Willingboro Public Library One Salem Road Willingboro, NJ 08046 chill at willingboro.org My new book!Ten Terrific Authors for Teens, Enslow, 2000
Received on Wed 31 Jan 2001 09:42:43 AM CST