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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSTen-year-old India Opal Buloni has just moved to Naomi, Florida, with her father, a quiet preacher who buries himself in his work and rarely talks about the mother who walked out when Opal was three. One afternoon, Opal goes to the Winn-Dixie grocery store and comes back with a big, ugly, grinning stray dog she names after the store. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal begins to put down roots in a town that felt cold and strange: she finds a job, makes unlikely friends among the neighbors, and slowly starts to fill in the blank space her mother left behind.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Because of Winn-Dixie
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Because of Winn-Dixie. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a girl rescue a big ugly stray dog from a grocery store manager?
✓ Answer
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
This is the opening scene. Opal is sent to buy macaroni and cheese, rice, and tomatoes, but claims the runaway dog as her own to keep him from going to the pound. She names him on the spot after the grocery store.
- First half
In what book does a nearly blind gardener say she has to see people with her heart?
✓ Answer
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Gloria Dump tells Opal that her eyes are not too good, so she cannot see much beyond the general shape of things. She asks Opal to tell her everything about herself so she can see her with her heart.
- First half
In what book does a girl worry she is working for a criminal at a pet shop?
✓ Answer
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Otis admits to Opal that he has been in jail. She worries what the preacher will think, but eventually learns Otis went to jail because he would not stop playing his guitar on the street and hit the policeman who tried to handcuff him.
- Second half
In what book does a librarian describe her great-grandfather lying about his age to fight in the Civil War?
✓ Answer
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Miss Franny Block tells Opal and Amanda the story of her great-grandfather Littmus W. Block, who enlisted at fourteen because he was big for his age. This story introduces the themes of loss and sweetness that run through the rest of the summer.
- Second half
In what book does a girl realize her pinch-faced classmate is not mean but lonely and grieving?
✓ Answer
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
After learning that Amanda's little brother Carson drowned, Opal understands the pinch in her face comes from sadness. She resolves to be kinder and welcomes Amanda into her circle of friends.
- Near the end
In what book does a summer party get ruined by a sudden thunderstorm?
✓ Answer
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Just after the preacher blesses the food, a huge unexpected storm crashes the party in Gloria's yard. The guests rush inside with the sandwiches, and the dog disappears in the chaos.
