Preview
Copywork
About This Passage
Gloria is whispering in Opal's ear. This is the book's biggest lesson delivered in the smallest moment. Notice how Gloria uses the word 'something' instead of 'someone.' She is talking about a dog, but the rule works for anything that can leave — dogs, friends, mothers, decorations in a storm. Notice also how she asks 'you understand?' in the middle. She is making sure Opal is really hearing her, not just listening. Copying this passage teaches a writer how a grown-up can deliver a hard truth with careful, patient words.
There ain't no way you can hold on to something that wants to go. You understand? You can only love what you got while you got it.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Retell the chapter. Then explain what Gloria's whisper to Opal really means.
Discussion Questions
- Gloria's whispered words are the book's most important lesson. Why does she say them as a whisper rather than out loud? What does the whisper tell us about how the lesson is meant to be received?
- Opal forgot to protect Winn-Dixie from the storm because she was excited about the party. She blames herself. Is her self-blame fair, or is she being too hard on herself?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
a moment of great danger or difficulty that requires action right away
Item 2
to speak very softly, usually so only the person right next to you can hear
Item 3
the way you go from one place to another, often a trail through grass or woods
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Critical Thinking
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