"Meet Poppy Our Australian Girl Series: Book 1" By Gabrielle Wang
"It is a story of bravery and love, as Poppy sets out to chase her brother after he escapes from the Mission in search of freedom and a better life."
Set in 1864, Meet Poppy introduces readers to an unforgettable young heroine — a ten-year-old girl of Chinese and Aboriginal descent growing up in the shadow of colonial control at a Christian mission in rural Australia.
When her beloved brother Gus runs away from the Mission to seek freedom, spirited and determined Poppy bravely sets out after him. Along the way, she must confront prejudice, loss, and danger, while also discovering her inner strength and her identity.
Through Poppy’s eyes, Gabrielle Wang explores intersectional identity, the harsh realities of the colonial system, and the importance of family, resilience, and hope. The book also subtly prompts reflection on the erasure and displacement faced by First Nations peoples and mixed-race children during this period.
An excellent text for exploring Australian history, colonial missions, and the complex identities of children living at cultural crossroads.
- ISBN: 9780143305323
- ISBN-10: 0143305328
- Series: Our Australian Girl
- Audience: Children
- For Ages: 8 - 10 years old
- For Grades: 4 - 6
- Format: Paperback
- Language: English
- Number Of Pages: 144
- Published: 31st January 2011
- Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd
- Country of Publication: AU
- Dimensions (cm): 19.5 x 13 x 1
- Weight (kg): 0.14
- Edition Number: 1
More About The Artist
More About The Artist


About Gabrielle Wang
About Gabrielle Wang
Gabrielle Wang is an acclaimed Australian author and illustrator. Of Chinese descent, Gabrielle is the daughter of Chinese migrants and has written numerous books for children and young adults that explore identity, belonging, and cultural heritage.
She is passionate about bringing multicultural voices and stories into Australian children’s literature. Gabrielle’s work often draws on her Chinese ancestry and her family’s migration story, and through Meet Poppy, she brings to life an important - and often neglected - perspective on the experiences of mixed-race Aboriginal and Chinese children during Australia’s colonial history.
Gabrielle Wang is an acclaimed Australian author and illustrator. Of Chinese descent, Gabrielle is the daughter of Chinese migrants and has written numerous books for children and young adults that explore identity, belonging, and cultural heritage.
She is passionate about bringing multicultural voices and stories into Australian children’s literature. Gabrielle’s work often draws on her Chinese ancestry and her family’s migration story, and through Meet Poppy, she brings to life an important - and often neglected - perspective on the experiences of mixed-race Aboriginal and Chinese children during Australia’s colonial history.