What obstacles and hindrances does Poppy experience on her quest to discover what Mr. Ocax is hiding in New House? What tools does Poppy use to assist her on her journey? How does Poppy demonstrate perseverance in pursuing her goal?

Teaching Suggestion: Consider asking students to consider the tangible and intangible obstacles and tools Poppy uses/experiences on her journey. Students may also find it beneficial to analyze the characters who act as hindrances on her journey and those who aid her.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“The Sequel”

In this activity, students will predict what will happen to the mouse community in New House based on novel details.

The novel concludes with Poppy announcing that her clan will move to New House, where they have plenty of resources to survive. Consider the problems and freedoms Poppy and her mouse family may encounter at New House. Using evidence from the novel, construct visual media to convey a prediction of what you believe will happen in the sequel to this novel. Consider these points as you construct your response:

• Is there evidence in the novel that indicates New House is inhabited?
• Who placed the fake owl in the barn?
• What freedoms will Poppy and her family enjoy without Mr.