If you missed this one growing up, here’s the gist: India Opal Buloni moves to Naomi, Florida, with her father, a preacher who is about as emotionally available as a brick. Her mother left years ago, and Opal is lonely. In a Winn-Dixie grocery store, she finds a stray dog who is literally wrecking the produce section. She claims him, names him after the store, and the dog becomes the catalyst for her meeting the "misfits" of the town.

It’s not an action-packed book. There are no levels to beat, no loot boxes to open, and nobody is getting "ratioed." It’s a character study about how a dog can help a girl find her "heart" again.

We spend a lot of time talking about how to manage Roblox screen time or whether TikTok is rotting our kids' attention spans. But the real "digital wellness" battle isn't just about time—it's about the quality of connection.

In the book, Opal meets Miss Franny Block, a librarian who once fought off a bear with a book, and Gloria Dump, a woman the local kids think is a witch but who is actually just a wise, recovering alcoholic with a "mistake tree" in her backyard.

In a world where kids are increasingly isolated behind tablets, Winn-Dixie models what it looks like to actually talk to your neighbors. It teaches kids that everyone has a "Littmus Lozenge" in their life—something that tastes like sorrow and sweetness at the same time.

Ask our chatbot for more books that build empathy and community

There’s a specific moment in the book involving a candy called a Littmus Lozenge. It’s a candy that tastes like whatever sadness the person eating it is carrying.

Modern digital media is designed to be the opposite of a Littmus Lozenge. Apps like Instagram or Snapchat are designed to be "sweet" only—constant hits of dopamine, likes, and filtered perfection. When kids experience real-world sadness or loneliness, they often don't know what to do with it because their digital world doesn't have a category for "melancholy."

Winn-Dixie gives them that category. It tells them it’s okay to feel "the sorrow of the world" and that you can still find joy (and a dog) right in the middle of it.

This is a perfect age for a family read-aloud. The chapters are short, and the dog’s antics (like his pathological fear of thunderstorms) keep younger kids engaged.

At this age, kids can read it solo. It’s a great entry point for talking about more complex social dynamics. Opal’s mother left because she couldn't handle being a "preacher's wife" and struggled with drinking. It’s heavy, but DiCamillo handles it with a light touch that respects the reader's intelligence.

Check out our guide on talking to kids about heavy themes in literature

Let’s be real: The "Preacher" (Opal’s dad) can be incredibly frustrating. He’s a man who hides in his "shell" and ignores his daughter’s emotional needs for a good chunk of the book. For parents, reading this can be a bit of a gut-punch. It’s a reminder that our kids see when we are "checked out"—whether we're hiding in a "turtle shell" of work or a "gorilla glass shell" of a smartphone.

Also, if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, this isn't it. If your kid is used to the frantic pacing of MrBeast, they might find the first two chapters "boring." Stick with it. It’s a slow burn that pays off in a big way.

If your kid loved the vibe of Winn-Dixie, here are a few other pieces of media that hit those same "real life, real feelings" notes without being "brain rot":

It’s a faithful adaptation. AnnaSophia Robb is great as Opal, and Dave Matthews (yes, that Dave Matthews) plays Otis. It’s a "safe" movie night choice, though—as usual—the book has way more emotional depth.

If your kid likes the "animal-human bond" aspect but wants something a bit more modern/sci-fi, this is the gold standard. It explores community and kindness through the eyes of a robot on a deserted island.

Like Winn-Dixie, Wonder is a masterclass in empathy. It forces kids to look past the surface (in this case, a facial deformity) to see the human underneath.

Wait, a video game? Yes. If you want a digital experience that mirrors the "building community in a small town" vibe of Winn-Dixie, Stardew Valley is it. You move to a small town, meet the "misfits," and learn their stories. It’s the ultimate "cozy game."

Learn why Stardew Valley is the perfect "anti-Fortnite"

When you finish the book (or the movie), skip the "did you like it?" question. Try these instead:

Because of Winn-Dixie isn't just a "classic" because it’s old; it’s a classic because it treats kids like the emotionally complex humans they are. In a digital landscape that often tries to turn our kids into "users" or "consumers," this story reminds them that they are neighbors, friends, and owners of "pathologically fearful" dogs.

It’s a 10/10 recommendation for any parent trying to raise an intentional, empathetic kid in a 2025 world.

Check out our full list of "Digital Antidote" books for middle grade readers