Poppy

Avi. Poppy. New York : Orchard Books, 1995.


Plot: Poppy, a young deer mouse, looses her boyfriend. Her friend does not fall victim to just any predator, though. He is devoured by Mr. Ocax, a great horned owl and the cruel "protector" of the deer mice. Despite her protests, her father insists on requesting permission to leave the field from the tyrannical owl, only to have the raptor refuse. Determined to save her family from starvation within their old home, Poppy attempts to reach the fabled New House. Her journeys lead her to question the supposed wisdom of the owl, particularly after discovering the trail of lies leading to the cornfields of New House. However, while a bully is dangerous, nothing compares to the peril of a frightened bully who can no longer hide his fears...

Genre: Animals, Adventure, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Redwall series

Personal Thoughts: The novel inspired three sequels: Poppy & Rye, Poppy's Return, and Poppy and Ereth.

Much like the Redwall series, many of the characters are displayed in terms of good or evil, but unlike Jacques' novels, Poppy's world also houses a number of neutral characters with little concern for the mice or the owl. While this makes for a more callous world, it makes it  a believable one. Heroes do not always find friends, but they may find allies, much like Poppy discovers with the porcupine. Additionally, the novel explores the qualities required to make a hero, such as a sense of duty, curiosity, knowledge, independence, and respect. Much like the mice in Redwall Abbey, Poppy becomes the unexpected heroine through her difficult journey.