Welcome to the book discussion that is all about dogs! If you LOVE dog books, then this is the class for you! In this 4-week class, students will read two dog books: Because of Winn-Dixie and Shiloh. Though each book is about dogs, these two books differ in many ways. Because of Winn-Dixie is a more light-hearted story of laughter....even Winn-Dixie the dog smiles all the time! Our second book, Shiloh, is heavier with a harder moral choice. Shiloh the dog has come from a hard home, a hard life, and seeks safety and love. 

Winn-Dixie is a 'mutt', a "big piece of old, brown carpet" as Opal describes him. His fun nature, smiling (yes, he really smiles), and laughter help Opal cope with a move to a new place. He also helps her find new friends in surprising places and together they have many adventures in Naomi, Florida. 

Shiloh is a beagle who is lucky enough to come across Marty, a boy who has always wanted a dog. He comes from a hard life. His owner, Judd Travers, uses the beagles to hunt and if they don't do what he wants, they are kicked, yelled at, and sometimes starved. Marty will do anything to keep Shiloh away from Judd and by the end of the book both Marty and Shiloh help Judd to transform into someone better. 

Book chapters are to be read PRIOR to class. Two weeks will be spent on each book. Students will have homework each week and we will begin each class as they present that homework. Besides student submissions, there are also slides, videos, and songs will be used in class as well. This class has a lot of class discussion. 

Week 1: Read Because of Winn-Dixie chapters 1-13 prior to class. In class this week, we talk about Opal's life prior to coming to Naomi and how Winn-Dixie finds her. Her father tells her 10 things about her mother and for homework this week, students will be tasked to create a list of 10 things that describe who they are.

Week 2: Read Chapters 14-26 prior to class. Each student will share their list from the previous week. We discuss all the friends Opal has now made and how this town finally feels like home. Students will be tasked to create a Dog Care instructional page before next week. 

Week 3: Read Chapters 1-7 of Shiloh prior to class. This class begins will students presenting their Dog Care pages. This is a whole different feeling than our first book. We discuss our cast of characters and what each student would do in Marty's situation. For homework this week, each student will write (or type) a letter to Judd to convince him that they (Marty) should keep Shiloh.

Week 4: Read Chapters 8-15 of Shiloh prior to class. Does Marty get to keep Shiloh? Or does he have to go back to Judd? Would you go to such great lengths as Marty has to keep something you loved? 

Please note, fewer numbers of students may result in a shortened class time. 

There will be no refunds issued for a student(s) missing class.