Because of Winn-Dixie

This novel focuses on a young girl who lives with her preacher father after her alcoholic mother abandons the family. After they move to a new town, Opal adopts a dog. It helps her meet and befriend a wide group of people who become her new adopted family. The novel is written in first person, in simple language, and is probably more appropriate for lower intermediate readers. It effectively deals with social issues such as alcoholism, family separation, grief, and loneliness.