Poppy

Gr 7 Up—Fifteen-year-old Poppy is a parlormaid for the aristocratic DeVere family in World War I-era England. She longs for more than her current status will allow, both in terms of romance—is Frederick, the family's younger son, romantically interested in her?—and ambition. She soon joins the Voluntary Auxiliary Service (VAD) as a nurse. Suddenly, she is thrust into a whole new world, learning how to care for the sick and horrifically injured soldiers who have recently come from the front. And then there's Frederick, whose letters and words seem to hint at wanting more than just friendship. As Poppy navigates her way through caring for injured soldiers and the minefield of social status and her own heart, she hopes to find her place in the world. This is a beautifully written novel by the author of Newes from the Dead and Fallen Grace. Poppy is intrepid, if a bit naive, and wholly likable. Her experience with the VAD is realistically drawn and very readable, and the descriptions of the soldiers and their stories are highly compelling. The romance is a bit rushed and forced, and the ending leaves a wide opening for a sequel.