Pair lost human souls with one lost canine soul, and the result is an inspiring tale of resilience and resolve. India Opal Buloni moves to Naomi, Florida, when her father, the Preacher, is called to lead the Open Arms Baptist Church of Naomi. Opal knows no one and feels sad and lonely at having left her friends behind. The characters she meets along the way as a result of her new best friend, Winn-Dixie, prove that family is only as far as your nearest friend.

India Opal Buloni, 10, is growing up without a mother. Her father is a preacher who moves from town to town when called, and this leaves Opal at loose ends. When the story opens, Opal has entered the local Winn-Dixie grocery store. What she finds changes her life forever.

Opal finds the grocery manager screaming about a dog in the produce section...