Poppy (2)

Poppy by Avi is a classic that still engages fifth graders today, as it has for decades! It works wonderfully as a read aloud and in literature groups. Contains vivid descriptions and powerful imagery as well as well-drawn out characters, albeit personified animals. An added bonus is the science connection to nature’s network of habitats and food chains and the circle of life.

The conflict between Poppy, the deer mouse and her nemesis Mr. Ocax, the great horned owl, plays out with the suspense and intensity of a horror film. To the delight of my students, I found myself embellishing my read alouds with extra bits like, “No Poppy, don’t go near that old log! Danger, danger, run Poppy, run!”

The cantankerous porcupine’s dialogue is punctuated with amusing alliterative phrases that capture the reader’s attention and reinforce the teaching of figurative language. The satisfying resolution not only ties together many plot strands for our heroine, Poppy, but also provides openings for several prequels and sequels to the story. I’m hoping this will inspire some of my reluctant readers  to continue to explore further adventures with the creatures of Dimwood Forest.

Sophia's War

Sophia’s War by Avi has been on my list for a while, and I finally found time to read it along with my first leveled reading group of girls from LAST school year. Another group of fifth grade girls learned a lot and enjoyed this selection again this past school year. Avi’s descriptive writing style incorporates characters’ thoughts and feelings while also painting a vivid picture of the living conditions during the early years of the American Revolution. The strong willed and sensitive fictional Sophia is insterted into the well known saga of the famous traitor Benedict Arnold and British major John Andres.

The plot parallels the story line of another historical fiction book for adults that was also made into a television mini-series, TURN: Washingron’s Spies. While I found the tv series delightful, it’s not appropriate for fifth graders. I’m a huge fan of Avi’s work and love how he has made the material accessible for all ages. Unfortunately, the length of Sophia’s War makes it challenging for the majority of my students. 

Poppy (1)

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Given my recent owl obsession, it's a bummer that the great horned owl Mr. Ocax is the villain in Poppy by Avi. But alas, our heroine Poppy is a deer mouse who avenges the death of her fiance while defending her family from the dangers lurking in Dimwood Forest. During her journey, she meets some interesting characters and learns a lot about herself along the way. The story truly embodies the classic elements of a hero’s journey, only with endearing forest animals playing the roles.

Our last read aloud of fifth grade ties in with our science theme of biodiversity and the food chain. It also incorporates letter writing practice, further exploration of character traits, vocabulary development, and a review of figurative language such as the alliteration found in the speech patterns of Ereth the porcupine.

There are six books in the Poppy series, and it lends itself well to a variety of

elementary lessons. A teaching guide is located on the prolific author's website. The fast-paced dialogue and witty repartee between the animals as well as descriptive action scenes full of suspense make this book a favorite in the classroom. It’s fun to let students take turns doing dramatic readings of the character’s lines.

In the book Poppy's Return, I enjoyed the themes dealing with family dynamics: Poppy's reluctance to return to her childhood home, her strained relationships with her teenage son and her sister, the skunk Mephitis's feelings about his lack of family. But the story became clunky for me when the animals take control of an old bulldozer and destroy the derelict New House.