Because of Winn-Dixie

     When I was rereading Because of Winn-Dixie by Katie DiCamillo, I realized how many children probably loved this book just as much as I did. This book tells a story of a stray dog that somehow finds itself in a grocery store called Winn-Dixie and somehow manages to also find an owner too. Opal, a young girl who had just moved into town, claimed that this stray dog was hers because she did not want the dog to go to the pound. From there, the relationship blossoms and portrays how important a relationship between dog and owner really can be.
     Most children really like pets and often beg to have one of their own. Opal was just like any other child who hoped for the best. When she decided to claim this stray dog as her own, she brought it home in hopes that her father would let her keep the dog. Luckily, her father said she could keep the dog. I wonder how Opal was feeling when her father decided to allow her to keep the dog. When children get their first pet, they tend to learn a lot about responsibility. Since Opal had a big heart and did not want this dog to the pound, she had to learn how to take care of a dog that had not been taken care of in a long time and it showed. Opal explains, "Winn-Dixie looked up at me and wagged her tail. He was kind of limping like something was wrong with one of his legs. And I have to admit, he stunk. Bad. He was an ugly dog, but already, I loved him with all my heart" (p. 14). This just shows how much love children have in their heart, no matter the circumstances. This made me think of when I found a stray dog and begged my parents to keep him. They ended up letting me keep him, but explained to me that he was my responsibility. This dog looked like how Opal described Winn-Dixie, but I loved him so much anyway. When children are passionate about something, they will more than likely follow through. I love the way that the author touches on a subject that a lot of children can relate to. This will really pull the reader in. 

Read Like a Writer with Katie Kazoo

     As I was reading my second Katie Kazzoo Switcheroo book for the 20 book challenge, I realized how many comprehension strategies and skills this book holds. The possibilities are endless with author Nancy Krulik's writing style that demonstrates the ability to relate to teachers and students. Most of the plot takes place in a school where we are given a glimpse into the mind of a student who shares her views on her school, her friends, and her teachers. 
     Krulik's writing style provides many opportunities for this book to become a great mentor text. When using this book as a mentor text, I would want to use cause and effect as a possible targeted comprehension skill. When writing, it is important to not leave loose ends untied. As we write, we have to keep in mind the importance of cause and effect. Cause and effect is the very thing that keeps the plot going and keeping the reader intrigued. Cause and effect also comes with sequence, or the order of the events that happen. The author does not skip around within the text. She talks about Katie's day in order so that the reader does not get confused. When children first start writing, it is often times hard for them to not jump around from one topic to another. To give a little background information to what is happening in the text, Suzanne (Katie's best friend) passes a note to Katie in class. To explain cause and effect and the importance of finishing up the idea you were just writing about, I would use this passage: 
           

               Just then a small piece of paper landed on Katie's desk. It was a note from

               Suzanne. Katie read the note and scribbled an answer.

              "Kevin, pass this to Suzanne?" Katie whispered.

               "No way," he whispered back. "I'm not getting in trouble."

               Katie understood. Mrs. Derkman does not like kids passing notes in class.

               Katie waited until Mrs. Derkman was looking the other way. Then she

               tossed the note to Suzanne.

               "Suzanne give me that note," Mrs. Derkman ordered.

               She opened the note and read it...out loud!

               "My mother bought me these horrible pink flowery underpants. They're for

               babies.

               "Do you have to wear them?" Mrs. Derkman continued, reading Katie's part

               of the note.      

               "I'm wearing them right now." Mrs. Derkman said, as she read what Suzanne

               just had written. 

      

      I used that passage because it demonstrates a cause and effect situation. Suzanne passed the note and Katie had a feeling they were going to get caught. I would explain that the cause would be that they decided to pass the note and the effect would be they got caught and they were embarrassed. I would stress the importance of following a sequence of events just like Krulik did when explaining this situation. It was easy to follow and she stayed on topic. I would emphasize that almost everything has a cause and effect relationship and it is important to have both as you begin to write. Just imagine if Krulik would have started with passing the notes and not included if they got caught or did not get caught. As writers, it is important to make sense and follow a sequence of events so that the reader will keep reading. Krulik does a great job of keeping the reader interested and tying up loose ends.