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The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans
Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, successfully established the Flanders Field Memorial Poppy as a universal symbol of tribute and support for veterans and their families during World War I and II. Known as the Poppy Lady, Michael dedicated her life to servicemen and women, buying and placing fresh flowers in rooms where they would gather before heading overseas.
Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts and primary documents, as well as Moina's great-nieces to better understand Moina's determination to honor the war veterans.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will support the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the U.S. military.
Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts and primary documents, as well as Moina's great-nieces to better understand Moina's determination to honor the war veterans.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will support the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the U.S. military.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
1 book1 followerBarbara Elizabeth Walsh has fond memories of poppies and parades honoring her father and other veterans. During World War II her father knew Moina Michael, the Poppy Lady. A former elementary-school teacher, Barbara has written articles for Highlights for Children and Cricket. The Poppy Lady is her first children's book. She and her husband live in Mantoloking, New Jersey, and Key Largo, Florida. For more information, visit barbaraelizabethwalsh.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 5, 2018
With the centennial of the World War I armistice approaching on November 11th, 2018, I decided I wanted to feature books about 'The Great War' or World War II each Monday of this month for my Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts.
A couple of months ago I began searching the local library's online catalog for appropriate titles, and I was thrilled to find this gem in the collection!
Moina Belle Michael was raised in the small community of Good Hope, Georgia, after the Civil War. Families had lost everything in 'The Surrender' and could not afford to hire a teacher for the local children. Moina's mother was determined to help her daughter become educated so Moina could teach her younger siblings and the neighbor's children.
After three years of boarding school fifteen-year old Moina cleaned out an abandoned slaves' cabin on the plantation and opened a school for her siblings and a few local children.
In the summer of 1914, Miss Michael had been traveling in Europe when World War I broke out. When the Germans sank an American ship in March, 1917, she prayed the United States would not enter the war.
At this time, she was a teacher and dorm mother at the University of Georgia's Normal School. She dreaded the U.S. Congress's vote on whether the nation would enter the war. When it was announced that the United States was joining in the war in Europe, Moina vowed to do whatever she could to help the soldiers. She wanted them to be remembered for their service and sacrifice.
She knitted sock and rolled bandages with other local women. She delivered treats to the nearby military camp and invited soldiers to share a meal at her home.
In the autumn of 1918, she completed the training presented by the YMCA and held at Columbia University in New York City so she could become a canteen worker. She applied to go overseas but was denied due to the fact that she was too old. {She was forty-nine years old at the time.}
She wanted to help out somehow. She reflected upon what she could do to help the war effort. She decided it would be worthwhile to help the soldiers before they left for their assignments overseas, so she opened a reading/meeting room in the basement of a hall on Columbia's campus.
Men and women in the military along with university secretaries visited the room each day to read, sing, and visit with others. Miss Michael used her own meager salary to buy flowers to brighten up the dreary basement. She felt called to do more to ease the stress of these soldiers who were serving or had served their country in war.
By chance, Moina read a poem in a magazine written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who was a Canadian physician. The poem, 'In Flanders Fields', was a tribute to the soldiers who perished on the battlefields of Flanders. In the poem, the battlefield was covered with white crosses and bright red poppies.
Then and there Moina Belle Michael vowed to buy red poppies to give out to others and to always wear a red poppy herself in honor of the poppies of Flanders Fields.
She went out shopping in New York City to purchase red poppies. She found one large and twenty-four small silk poppies in a single department store. She pinned one poppy to her collar and hurried back to the basement room. She placed the large poppy in a vase and handed out the twenty-three smaller ones to the men and women leaving for France.
It is striking that two days after she purchased the twenty-five poppies, World War I ended. She was not ready to rest. She saw how difficult it was for the returning troops to find jobs and get the medical care they needed.
She decided to help out by trying to get various organizations to honor and support the veterans by adopting the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy. People around the world began to donate money to the funds to help veterans, war widows, and orphans.
Many unemployed and disabled veterans made and distributed poppies. Moina was named the 'Poppy Lady'.
Moina Belle Michael died at the age of seventy-four and was honored with a military funeral in her honor in Athens, Georgia.
The 'Author's Note' tells the touching story of how her own father had met Miss Michael when he was a soldier in World War II. The soldier, Pat, told his author daughter about how nice Miss Michael was. This prompted Barbara Elizabeth Walsh to research and write this compelling biography.
The 'Legacy' section tells how the Flanders Poppy is still recognized as a symbol of remembrance. These poppies are still distributed by several veterans groups in America.
A 'Selected Biography' is included.
The original paintings by artist Layne Johnson are beautiful and contribute greatly to this amazing woman's biography.
If you would like to read the touching poem which began this red poppy tradition, you will find the text of 'In Flanders Fields' and a brief biography of the poet who wrote it at the following link:
'In Flanders Fields' Poem
This biography is highly recommended to parents/grandparents, librarians, teachers, and fans of American history/World War I history/military history/twentieth century history. It is inspiring and engaging and will show a true-life example of a woman who dedicated her life to serving others.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
##################
A couple of months ago I began searching the local library's online catalog for appropriate titles, and I was thrilled to find this gem in the collection!
Moina Belle Michael was raised in the small community of Good Hope, Georgia, after the Civil War. Families had lost everything in 'The Surrender' and could not afford to hire a teacher for the local children. Moina's mother was determined to help her daughter become educated so Moina could teach her younger siblings and the neighbor's children.
After three years of boarding school fifteen-year old Moina cleaned out an abandoned slaves' cabin on the plantation and opened a school for her siblings and a few local children.
In the summer of 1914, Miss Michael had been traveling in Europe when World War I broke out. When the Germans sank an American ship in March, 1917, she prayed the United States would not enter the war.
At this time, she was a teacher and dorm mother at the University of Georgia's Normal School. She dreaded the U.S. Congress's vote on whether the nation would enter the war. When it was announced that the United States was joining in the war in Europe, Moina vowed to do whatever she could to help the soldiers. She wanted them to be remembered for their service and sacrifice.
She knitted sock and rolled bandages with other local women. She delivered treats to the nearby military camp and invited soldiers to share a meal at her home.
In the autumn of 1918, she completed the training presented by the YMCA and held at Columbia University in New York City so she could become a canteen worker. She applied to go overseas but was denied due to the fact that she was too old. {She was forty-nine years old at the time.}
She wanted to help out somehow. She reflected upon what she could do to help the war effort. She decided it would be worthwhile to help the soldiers before they left for their assignments overseas, so she opened a reading/meeting room in the basement of a hall on Columbia's campus.
Men and women in the military along with university secretaries visited the room each day to read, sing, and visit with others. Miss Michael used her own meager salary to buy flowers to brighten up the dreary basement. She felt called to do more to ease the stress of these soldiers who were serving or had served their country in war.
By chance, Moina read a poem in a magazine written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who was a Canadian physician. The poem, 'In Flanders Fields', was a tribute to the soldiers who perished on the battlefields of Flanders. In the poem, the battlefield was covered with white crosses and bright red poppies.
Then and there Moina Belle Michael vowed to buy red poppies to give out to others and to always wear a red poppy herself in honor of the poppies of Flanders Fields.
She went out shopping in New York City to purchase red poppies. She found one large and twenty-four small silk poppies in a single department store. She pinned one poppy to her collar and hurried back to the basement room. She placed the large poppy in a vase and handed out the twenty-three smaller ones to the men and women leaving for France.
It is striking that two days after she purchased the twenty-five poppies, World War I ended. She was not ready to rest. She saw how difficult it was for the returning troops to find jobs and get the medical care they needed.
She decided to help out by trying to get various organizations to honor and support the veterans by adopting the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy. People around the world began to donate money to the funds to help veterans, war widows, and orphans.
Many unemployed and disabled veterans made and distributed poppies. Moina was named the 'Poppy Lady'.
Moina Belle Michael died at the age of seventy-four and was honored with a military funeral in her honor in Athens, Georgia.
The 'Author's Note' tells the touching story of how her own father had met Miss Michael when he was a soldier in World War II. The soldier, Pat, told his author daughter about how nice Miss Michael was. This prompted Barbara Elizabeth Walsh to research and write this compelling biography.
The 'Legacy' section tells how the Flanders Poppy is still recognized as a symbol of remembrance. These poppies are still distributed by several veterans groups in America.
A 'Selected Biography' is included.
The original paintings by artist Layne Johnson are beautiful and contribute greatly to this amazing woman's biography.
If you would like to read the touching poem which began this red poppy tradition, you will find the text of 'In Flanders Fields' and a brief biography of the poet who wrote it at the following link:
'In Flanders Fields' Poem
This biography is highly recommended to parents/grandparents, librarians, teachers, and fans of American history/World War I history/military history/twentieth century history. It is inspiring and engaging and will show a true-life example of a woman who dedicated her life to serving others.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
##################
September 10, 2023
Our homeschool curriculum used this book to introduce the topic of World War 1 to 2nd graders. It worked perfectly for that. We all enjoyed the story of this tenacious woman. When asked what character quality they thought Moina exhibited, my 7 year-old replied, “persevering.” That strong connection demonstrated the clear communication the book achieved. The book communicated her story well - both showing and telling - in a way that young children will make clear relations with the underlying character she was acting upon, the ways she chose to serve others, and the times she was living in.
The presentation of WW1 was very light, which was age-appropriate for my very young children, yet without disrespecting the realities of that horrible war. Since I recently visited the national WW1 museum in Kansas City, I was familiar enough with the details to raise my eyebrows a bit at the extremely abbreviated handling of “what started this war”. Upon reflection, I concluded that j appreciated the author’s brevity. Even adults with a museum-level timeline struggle to understand that topic with this war.
The presentation of WW1 was very light, which was age-appropriate for my very young children, yet without disrespecting the realities of that horrible war. Since I recently visited the national WW1 museum in Kansas City, I was familiar enough with the details to raise my eyebrows a bit at the extremely abbreviated handling of “what started this war”. Upon reflection, I concluded that j appreciated the author’s brevity. Even adults with a museum-level timeline struggle to understand that topic with this war.
June 23, 2021
Loved learning about one person’s plan to brighten a soldier’s day became a national symbol.
November 5, 2012
Once again, it will soon be Veteran's Day in the US and Remembrance Day in many other countries around the world. This is a day we set aside to honor, remember, and reflect on those persons who are serving and have served their country during armed conflicts and is often referred to as Poppy Day, thanks to the efforts of Moina Belle Michael A/K/A The Poppy Lady.
Now Barbara Elizabeth Walsh has written a book detailing how Moina earned her nickname. Walsh begins with a brief introductory prologue describing Moina's life up to World War I. Moina was a well-educated girl from Good Hope, Georgia who began teaching the children of neighbors in 1885 in an old slave cabin at the age of 15. By the time World War I broke out, she was a university professor at the University of Georgia.
The rest of The Poppy Lady is a narrowly focused narrative about Moina's attempt to do something meaningful for the soldiers who fought in the Great War. It begins Moina's story with the start of the war, while she was traveling through Europe. Still disturbed by what she had seen of the fighting after she returned home, Moina was determined to do something for the soldiers after the US entered the war in 1917. Like many women on the home front, Moina knitted warm items, rolling bandages, collected books and magazines and even invited soldiers home for a meal, but she continued to feel she could do more.
So off she went to New York and set up a welcoming place in Hamilton Hall, Columbia University, where soldiers could come and relax, talk and get information. But even though it was a hugh success, but Moina wanted to do still more.
One day she read the poem "We Shall Not Sleep" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, which honors the soldiers fallen on the battlefields of Flanders, Belgium. Moved and inspired, Moina began wearing and giving out poppies as a tribute to those soldiers. Other began to follow her example and eventually the poppy was adopted around the world as a symbol of honor and remembrance for the fallen members of the armed services.
What a wonderful introductory biographical account of Moina Belle Michael's work during and after World War I Barbara Elizabeth Walsh has written about this not well known lady who did so much. And Layne Johnson's lavishly detailed oil on canvas painting do so much to capture Moina's spirit.
A picture books illustrations do so much in furthering the telling of a story and that is certainly true here. Together with Walsh easily accessible text, Moina's determination simply shines through, making The Poppy Lady a truly inspirational book for young readers that shows how one person can make a big difference.
This book is recommended for readers age 7-10.
This book was sent by the publisher.
Now Barbara Elizabeth Walsh has written a book detailing how Moina earned her nickname. Walsh begins with a brief introductory prologue describing Moina's life up to World War I. Moina was a well-educated girl from Good Hope, Georgia who began teaching the children of neighbors in 1885 in an old slave cabin at the age of 15. By the time World War I broke out, she was a university professor at the University of Georgia.
The rest of The Poppy Lady is a narrowly focused narrative about Moina's attempt to do something meaningful for the soldiers who fought in the Great War. It begins Moina's story with the start of the war, while she was traveling through Europe. Still disturbed by what she had seen of the fighting after she returned home, Moina was determined to do something for the soldiers after the US entered the war in 1917. Like many women on the home front, Moina knitted warm items, rolling bandages, collected books and magazines and even invited soldiers home for a meal, but she continued to feel she could do more.
So off she went to New York and set up a welcoming place in Hamilton Hall, Columbia University, where soldiers could come and relax, talk and get information. But even though it was a hugh success, but Moina wanted to do still more.
One day she read the poem "We Shall Not Sleep" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, which honors the soldiers fallen on the battlefields of Flanders, Belgium. Moved and inspired, Moina began wearing and giving out poppies as a tribute to those soldiers. Other began to follow her example and eventually the poppy was adopted around the world as a symbol of honor and remembrance for the fallen members of the armed services.
What a wonderful introductory biographical account of Moina Belle Michael's work during and after World War I Barbara Elizabeth Walsh has written about this not well known lady who did so much. And Layne Johnson's lavishly detailed oil on canvas painting do so much to capture Moina's spirit.
A picture books illustrations do so much in furthering the telling of a story and that is certainly true here. Together with Walsh easily accessible text, Moina's determination simply shines through, making The Poppy Lady a truly inspirational book for young readers that shows how one person can make a big difference.
This book is recommended for readers age 7-10.
This book was sent by the publisher.
December 6, 2024
"Every time we wear a red poppy, we thank the men and women who gave so much for our freedom.
We promise to remember them.
Always."
The paintings that illustrate this book are excellent.
The writing format/ style didn't grab my attention or evoke as much feeling as I'd hoped, but I'm grateful to have learned about Moina Belle Michael. I love her spirit.
"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might."
Her quotes were my favorite parts of the story.
3.5 stars
We promise to remember them.
Always."
The paintings that illustrate this book are excellent.
The writing format/ style didn't grab my attention or evoke as much feeling as I'd hoped, but I'm grateful to have learned about Moina Belle Michael. I love her spirit.
"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might."
Her quotes were my favorite parts of the story.
3.5 stars
November 10, 2012
Walsh, Barbara E, and Layne Johnson. The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans. Honesdale, Pennsylvania: Calkins Creek, 2012. Print.
The story of Moina Belle Michael is unfamiliar to many that have grown up in the past twenty or thirty years. To older Americans, her name may have slipped, but the memory of veterans with poppies is as familiar as an often-recited poem about Flanders Fields. For me, those memories date back to my neighbor, Mr. Yeager and his ever-present cigar. He was a veteran of WWI and I remember seeing him outside Kresge’s Dime Store giving away poppies and encouraging everyone to remember the veterans. He was my poppy guy. Today, my father is in a veteran’s home, but is not engaged in making poppies, he writes feature stories for their in-house newsletter.
For those with no background knowledge, The Poppy Lady provides a perfect opportunity to gain both perspective and appreciation. The story crafted by Walsh is filled with inspiration to future generations with her oft cited “But she wanted to do more.” The oils by Layne Johnson provide a powerful backdrop for war and its aftermath. Together, the words and pictures tell of a time, place, and way of life that are all to unfamiliar to Americans, even when war is ongoing. The story provides opportunity to reflect: upon one’s past, future, and all the space in between where we too can do more.
Schools and public libraries will want to add The Poppy Lady to their collections. It is more than a child’s picture book with a civics lesson. Perhaps an ideal way to do more is to make a gift of this book to a veteran’s organization or home. Creative classroom teachers will see plenty of opportunities to continue the traditions and spread the word of The Poppy Lady.
The story of Moina Belle Michael is unfamiliar to many that have grown up in the past twenty or thirty years. To older Americans, her name may have slipped, but the memory of veterans with poppies is as familiar as an often-recited poem about Flanders Fields. For me, those memories date back to my neighbor, Mr. Yeager and his ever-present cigar. He was a veteran of WWI and I remember seeing him outside Kresge’s Dime Store giving away poppies and encouraging everyone to remember the veterans. He was my poppy guy. Today, my father is in a veteran’s home, but is not engaged in making poppies, he writes feature stories for their in-house newsletter.
For those with no background knowledge, The Poppy Lady provides a perfect opportunity to gain both perspective and appreciation. The story crafted by Walsh is filled with inspiration to future generations with her oft cited “But she wanted to do more.” The oils by Layne Johnson provide a powerful backdrop for war and its aftermath. Together, the words and pictures tell of a time, place, and way of life that are all to unfamiliar to Americans, even when war is ongoing. The story provides opportunity to reflect: upon one’s past, future, and all the space in between where we too can do more.
Schools and public libraries will want to add The Poppy Lady to their collections. It is more than a child’s picture book with a civics lesson. Perhaps an ideal way to do more is to make a gift of this book to a veteran’s organization or home. Creative classroom teachers will see plenty of opportunities to continue the traditions and spread the word of The Poppy Lady.
July 27, 2012
Thanks to the wonders of photography and early film we can fall into the trap of thinking of the First World War period as almost a fictonal creation of sepia prints and jerky movements. This book uses simple, direct narrative and rich illustration to restore some of the terror and humanity of the people who went through this difficult time nearly a century ago. The writing skillfully selects episodes to keep the story spare and clean, while the illustrations are historically accurate, rich with color, and filled with human emotion that matches the text. An excellent lesson in the use of rich and saturated blues.
The combination of text and drawing brings the era to life.
Perhaps it would have been more historically appropriate to bring this book out in 2017, but I'm glad they aren't waiting. A treat for the young reader interested in history.
Do children still read "In Flanders Fields?" It ends, of course, with a call to continue fighting, but before that time a deeper impression is made of the waste of human potential that is war. Perhaps this will help bring the poem and the reflections it generates in young readers to a new generation.
The combination of text and drawing brings the era to life.
Perhaps it would have been more historically appropriate to bring this book out in 2017, but I'm glad they aren't waiting. A treat for the young reader interested in history.
Do children still read "In Flanders Fields?" It ends, of course, with a call to continue fighting, but before that time a deeper impression is made of the waste of human potential that is war. Perhaps this will help bring the poem and the reflections it generates in young readers to a new generation.
June 12, 2016
Writing was to dry And I don't think it would make it as read aloud.
February 11, 2021
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans is a children's picture book written by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and illustrated by Layne Johnson. Imbued with an unwavering sense of duty and patriotism, a woman conceives a lasting tribute to war veterans.
Moina Belle Michael was an American professor and humanitarian who conceived the idea of using poppies as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in World War I.
Walsh's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Walsh explains the reasons Moina Belle Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, who wanted to do more for the men in uniform, and who went on to contribute to the war effort in several ways. Backmatter includes prologue, epilogue, author’s note, and bibliography. Johnson's oil paintings offer several dramatically lit, almost beatific portraits of Michael, as well as one scene of a somber WWI battlefield, covered with red poppies and white crosses, the source of Michael's inspiration.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Georgia schoolteacher Moina Michael, deeply saddened at the outbreak of World War I, wanted to help departing soldiers. She rolled bandages, knitted socks and sweaters, and boosted morale by delivering books, food and goodwill. These efforts, even combined with waving farewell at train stations, weren't enough – she yearned to do more.
Working with the YMCA in New York City, she offered support and kindness to soldiers. A chance rereading of the famous wartime poem "In Flanders Fields", with its images of poppies on graves, galvanized Michael into action, and she devoted herself to seeing that a red poppy became a symbol to memorialize the war dead. Her idea eventually led to the public distribution of paper poppies to raise funds for veterans and military families, a tradition that continues in some communities.
All in all, The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans is wonderful book depicting how the poppy became the flower for Remembrance Day and the woman behind it.
Moina Belle Michael was an American professor and humanitarian who conceived the idea of using poppies as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in World War I.
Walsh's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Walsh explains the reasons Moina Belle Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, who wanted to do more for the men in uniform, and who went on to contribute to the war effort in several ways. Backmatter includes prologue, epilogue, author’s note, and bibliography. Johnson's oil paintings offer several dramatically lit, almost beatific portraits of Michael, as well as one scene of a somber WWI battlefield, covered with red poppies and white crosses, the source of Michael's inspiration.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Georgia schoolteacher Moina Michael, deeply saddened at the outbreak of World War I, wanted to help departing soldiers. She rolled bandages, knitted socks and sweaters, and boosted morale by delivering books, food and goodwill. These efforts, even combined with waving farewell at train stations, weren't enough – she yearned to do more.
Working with the YMCA in New York City, she offered support and kindness to soldiers. A chance rereading of the famous wartime poem "In Flanders Fields", with its images of poppies on graves, galvanized Michael into action, and she devoted herself to seeing that a red poppy became a symbol to memorialize the war dead. Her idea eventually led to the public distribution of paper poppies to raise funds for veterans and military families, a tradition that continues in some communities.
All in all, The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans is wonderful book depicting how the poppy became the flower for Remembrance Day and the woman behind it.
March 10, 2021
This is a large format, colorfully illustrated, 9-10yo child's level (IMHO) thumbnail bio of Moina Belle Michael, native Georgian (USA) soldiers' morale booster & Uberfan of Canadian John McCrae's poem, "We Shall Not Sleep" (aka 'In Flanders Fields'), the spark and engine behind the adoption of the red silk poppy as a national and international fundraising-tool-cum-symbol-of-support for veterans' rehab & support services. The book is lavishly illustrated by Layne Johnson.
This is a fairly easy read which could have benefited from a bit more insight into just what motivated "MBM" in her support for soldiers and veterans. Was she a war hawk or a pacifist/humanist? Many hints lead one to deduce that she was in the latter camp as much as one could be in 1914-1918. This book could have benefited from more clarity in this area, perhaps with mention of Rep Jeanette Rankin (R - MT), a pacifist & 1 of 50 congresspeople to vote against the USA entering WWI [& later the only congressperson to vote against our entering WWII - subject a many a separate book!] to provide some context (i.e., that she wasn't a complete outsider). So, was it religious beliefs? Ethical concerns? Some sense of Loss or Guilt re the destruction of Europe? Was she a family person / did she have children? Just what made her get up and work in this field?
This is a fairly easy read which could have benefited from a bit more insight into just what motivated "MBM" in her support for soldiers and veterans. Was she a war hawk or a pacifist/humanist? Many hints lead one to deduce that she was in the latter camp as much as one could be in 1914-1918. This book could have benefited from more clarity in this area, perhaps with mention of Rep Jeanette Rankin (R - MT), a pacifist & 1 of 50 congresspeople to vote against the USA entering WWI [& later the only congressperson to vote against our entering WWII - subject a many a separate book!] to provide some context (i.e., that she wasn't a complete outsider). So, was it religious beliefs? Ethical concerns? Some sense of Loss or Guilt re the destruction of Europe? Was she a family person / did she have children? Just what made her get up and work in this field?
October 4, 2021
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans is the profound story of an everyday school teacher emotionally distraught by the world at war and the want to do more for military members. From providing food, books, letters, and other forms of moral support to soldiers, she finds a way to symbolize her gratitude that ultimately becomes an American symbol and tradition.
Through use of vibrant illustrations, delicate approaches in verbiage and illustrations to the topics of war, and the 7-10 age group it is leveled at, we can categorize this as children's literature. It can be classified as a picture book biography, as it based on the life and contribution of Moina Belle Michael and is rich in illustration and short on text, as depicted in chapter 14. The standard for picture book biographies hits at 32 pages according to chapter 14 and The Poppy Lady grazes that number at 40 pages.
Following this in an interactive read aloud setting, for Memorial or Veteran's day the students could color in a Poppy print out and fill in the "Today I thank a veteran because _____" to be displayed in the hallway. If you enjoy this book, you may also enjoy Let's Celebrate Memorial Day.
Through use of vibrant illustrations, delicate approaches in verbiage and illustrations to the topics of war, and the 7-10 age group it is leveled at, we can categorize this as children's literature. It can be classified as a picture book biography, as it based on the life and contribution of Moina Belle Michael and is rich in illustration and short on text, as depicted in chapter 14. The standard for picture book biographies hits at 32 pages according to chapter 14 and The Poppy Lady grazes that number at 40 pages.
Following this in an interactive read aloud setting, for Memorial or Veteran's day the students could color in a Poppy print out and fill in the "Today I thank a veteran because _____" to be displayed in the hallway. If you enjoy this book, you may also enjoy Let's Celebrate Memorial Day.
May 25, 2025
We all know that the poppy is a symbol of World War One. All of its bloodshed, its tears, and its death. However, do you know who made that symbol? Moina Belle Michael was living with her husband at the start of WWI. When talking with friends, they realized that their husbands were old enough to be forced to fight in the war. Moina was determined to do something about the war. She started a business for soldiers, but thought it wasn’t enough. She had a room where soldiers could go before the war. She read about the poem Flowers in Flanders Fields, and was inspired to buy poppies. She bought some tall ones and put them in a clear glass vase, and put poppies on each of the soldiers shirts’. When more soldiers came flocking in, she increased the size of her room and continued service for the people that did service to our country. Therefore, the poppy was now a national symbol of World War One.
Reason for Recommendation: This book teaches children about one of the symbols of World War One and Memorial Day. It is a great book for all ages.
Reason for Recommendation: This book teaches children about one of the symbols of World War One and Memorial Day. It is a great book for all ages.
June 1, 2024
"The Poppy Lady" offers an inspiring and educational narrative. Moina Belle Michael, an exceptional woman from Georgia and a dedicated school teacher, felt a compelling need to support soldiers heading to World War I. After purchasing some poppies, the war soon concluded.
Moina's initiative led to the adoption of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers. Her efforts didn't stop there. The book poignantly describes the challenges faced by returning soldiers, who often struggled to find employment and support their families. It raises the crucial question of who will step up to help these veterans.
This book deserves a place in classrooms to reach a wider audience. Its smooth storytelling and captivating illustrations make it a delightful read. It effectively raises awareness among children about the struggles of war veterans. The legacy of The Poppy Lady serves as a reminder of the need for more advocates like her.
Overall, this book is an essential read.
Moina's initiative led to the adoption of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers. Her efforts didn't stop there. The book poignantly describes the challenges faced by returning soldiers, who often struggled to find employment and support their families. It raises the crucial question of who will step up to help these veterans.
This book deserves a place in classrooms to reach a wider audience. Its smooth storytelling and captivating illustrations make it a delightful read. It effectively raises awareness among children about the struggles of war veterans. The legacy of The Poppy Lady serves as a reminder of the need for more advocates like her.
Overall, this book is an essential read.
June 1, 2024
"The Poppy Lady" penned by the author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh is a heartwarming story about paying tribute to the men and women who gave so much for our country's freedom. The main character of the story is Moina Belle Michael. In 1917, she received news about Wilson asking for war.
When Moina found out that America was going to war, she decided to do everything she could for the soldiers. Moina bought red poppies—poppies of Flanders Fields. She wanted to establish poppies as a symbol to honor and remember soldiers. Get your hands on this book to know how Moina will achieve her dream.
This is an amazing story full of kindness. It inspired me to be kind and put myself in the service of others. The language used in the book is easy to follow. This book is for children of the age group 7-11 years. I had a great time reading it.
When Moina found out that America was going to war, she decided to do everything she could for the soldiers. Moina bought red poppies—poppies of Flanders Fields. She wanted to establish poppies as a symbol to honor and remember soldiers. Get your hands on this book to know how Moina will achieve her dream.
This is an amazing story full of kindness. It inspired me to be kind and put myself in the service of others. The language used in the book is easy to follow. This book is for children of the age group 7-11 years. I had a great time reading it.
June 1, 2024
I enjoy reading books to children that impart important lessons or inspire positive actions. This story recounts the moment American soldiers joined World War I. Moina Belle Michael, a compassionate and kind-hearted woman, wanted to support the soldiers heading overseas.
Through her determination and effort, Moina successfully established the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers. She also recognized the challenges faced by returning veterans. Children will be interested in learning about Moina's contributions to the soldiers' welfare.
This story motivated me to dedicate time to social service. I am deeply moved by Moina's commitment to honoring war veterans. The cover is appealing, and the illustrations are beautifully done. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Through her determination and effort, Moina successfully established the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers. She also recognized the challenges faced by returning veterans. Children will be interested in learning about Moina's contributions to the soldiers' welfare.
This story motivated me to dedicate time to social service. I am deeply moved by Moina's commitment to honoring war veterans. The cover is appealing, and the illustrations are beautifully done. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 7, 2023
The Poppy Lady is a picture book telling the story of Moina Belle Michael and her tribute to Veterans. I was moved to tears while reading the story, "But Moina needed to do even more..." and so enjoyed learning about her (and reading all the extra information in the back!) The book was a bit long for my kids (age 3 & 4) but it's a great book about WW1 and veterans! I also loved the illustrations. This would be great for elementary ages and older!
March 22, 2020
This biography tells the story of the woman who founded the tradition of wearing poppies to honor World War I's fallen soldiers and eventually all veterans in connection with Memorial Day. I had no idea one woman was the Poppy Lady capping off a lifetime of service especially to soldiers.
Good information and beautifully illustrated.
Good information and beautifully illustrated.
May 31, 2021
My mom read this aloud to my boys (ages 11, 9, and 7) for Memorial Day. It was a lovely book with wonderfully illustrated pictures, full page and full of color. I specifically enjoyed the prologue and epilogue to the story which contained a bit more information about Moina Belle Michael. It was a lovely way to introduce Memorial Day holiday to my children.
June 24, 2022
What a BEAUTIFUL book!!! I learned a number of new things. The illustrations are wonderful. There are a number of other books I would like to read about this topic. The one I most want to read (and possibly own), "The Miracle Flower", by Moina Belle Michael herself. Yet the cost for it being over $200 is a little out of my reach.
October 22, 2024
This picture book biography will have limited text-to-self application since most of our students are not familiar with the tradition of wearing poppies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
It is nevertheless an interesting story for older elementary readers which may be used to illustrate narrative nonfiction and to expand discussions about the holidays on which we honor the military.
It is nevertheless an interesting story for older elementary readers which may be used to illustrate narrative nonfiction and to expand discussions about the holidays on which we honor the military.
May 25, 2025
An inspiring short story about Moina Belle Michael who is associated with using poppies to help veterans. Full of information and accompanied by beautiful pictures covering both pages this is an uplifting story full of hope and promise to cherish our country's freedom, to remember the sacrifice made, and to always remember those who gave all.
August 3, 2017
I hope youngsters will finally understand the "poppy thing" after reading this.
Full color illustrations, realistic but with soft edges, as if we're looking back in time.
A great addition to the WWI shelf, and something to read to middle elementary students around Memorial Day.
Full color illustrations, realistic but with soft edges, as if we're looking back in time.
A great addition to the WWI shelf, and something to read to middle elementary students around Memorial Day.
January 4, 2022
Moina Belle Michael is the woman behind wearing poppies to honor the war dead. I am concerned about the prologue as it glosses over the civil war and tries to create sympathy for the plantation owners.
November 12, 2023
Overall great book, only 4 stars because I wished there was just a little more info in it. Would recommend to others still though. Want to learn more about “The Poppy Lady” she seems like a wonderful woman.
June 5, 2024
I loved reading this book to learn more about the history of poppies. It would be a great book for students in middle school to hear as part of their studies of being in the service, leaving your home and family to defend people’s right to be free.
J.
J.
July 9, 2024
Bright, beautiful illustrations and a lovely story about the impact of one person, one small gesture, and what can happen when we follow the internal call to "do more." I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Lillian Freiman and this little piece of history through this splendid book.
January 7, 2026
Tells the story of Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, who used red poppies to commemorate fallen soldiers during World War I. An interesting piece of history I knew nothing about before.
November 18, 2017
Just awesome!!
July 7, 2018
An absolutely beautiful story, I think this book should be an annual read to every child on Veterans Day.
October 15, 2018
Read while planning 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day library program for kids.
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