Because of Winn-Dixie I Got a *Heart Flutter*

This week (and it is only Wednesday) and I haven't gotten along very well. If you are wondering how the week is truly going, ask one of my students. I am sure they will tell all.

I have been trying really hard to figure out what is going a miss and what I need to do to fix it. Pretty much I got nothin. I don't know if it is the really nice weather where I have the doors and windows wide open and then the next day my nose hairs freeze when I step outside. I don't know if it is just the traditional January sludge that happens every year. It's something.

While trying to figure out what is going on, I have tried (even if not very hard) to find some positives in each day. Today I made myself write a list of things that made me smile. I figured I would share the top moment of the day with you all.

Kate Dicamillo happens to be one of the most incredible authors of all time. In fact, this week she was honored with the highest honor in children's literature with the 2014 Newbery Award for her newest book Flora and Ulysses, this being her second win. Because of Winn-Dixie won the Newbery Honor a few years ago, so as you can see, her work is award winning.

Earlier in the year I read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane to my class and they adored the story and one boy was upset for days that it was over. Today I fnished reading Winn-Dixie with a novel study group and I got the same results.

Once the last word was read one boy said, "I love this book. I just love this book. It is just so amazing. It is in my top ten most favorite books." The look on his face as he was professing his love of the book was priceless and what I hope to see on every students face. I asked him why he loved it so much and he had a few points, but mostly, "I just loved it!"

Of all the moments today where I wasn't prepared, the words wouldn't come out and I lost my patience, I did one thing right. I put a book into a child's hands and watched it change his world ever so slightly, just like India Opal's life changed because of Winn-Dixie.

Have you read any Kate Dicamillo books? I can't wait to get my hands on Flora and Ulysses.

P.S Kate did not ask me to write this, but if she did, that would be cool. That would mean that we were friends. All the opinions in this post are mine and if you know me at all, you know blurt out my opinions to anyone who might listen! ;0)