Students will need a copy of the following books (either a physical copy, a library copy, or a digital copy): 
Shiloh-By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Because of Winn-Dixie-By Kate DiCamillo

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

These books contain a few curse words (only one in Because of Winn-Dixie and four in Shiloh). There is mention of alcohol (an alcoholic neighbor mentioned in both books). In Shiloh, the dog's former owner is abusive to his dogs (he hits and kicks them, hence why Shiloh leaves). We will not be reading passages during class that contain curse words but children will read them as part of the book for homework. 

The books use the alcoholic characters (only in passing in Because of Winn-Dixie but more in Shiloh) to impress upon the reader the poverty of each town and, in Shiloh's case, the hopelessness of his situation. Though we will also not be referencing them in class, students may point out that one of the reason that Judd Travers is so hard on Shiloh may be because he drinks, though this changes at the end of the book. We will talk about how Judd changes and stops doing these things that make him 'bad' (drinking, cursing) and how Marty helps to facilitate this.