-A copy of Because of Winn-Dixie.  
-A notebook, journal or binder with paper to write in for each class.
-students will create a diorama in class 6.  They will need a shoe box (or any box similarly sized) and paper, pencils and other materials to decorate the box like a candy factory.

A major theme in this story is the loss of Opal's mother when she leaves the family before the story begins.  Opal deals with the grief she experiences throughout the story.  This may be a trauma trigger for some children who have experienced significant grief or the loss of a parent.