When Poppy's lovely dad is sent to prison, she is completely convinced of his innocence. No one will tell her what he has done, and really, she doesn't want to know, but her Polish mum is sad and evasive, and when Poppy wants to visit her dad in prison, mum isn't sure this is a good idea. The description of the visit (and subsequent visits) is vivid and highly realistic, as is the reaction of Poppy's friends to the news. One friend, Will, a boy who, it develops, has had life-long heart problems is considered a bit weedy but he understands what Poppy is going through in ways no one else can. They become firm friends, and through his illnesses and a bout of surgery, we learn that Will has the heart of a lion. The children work out a plot to help Big Frank escape with the help of a street-wise lad called Angel whose father is also in prison, but it comes to naught. Towards the end of the book, Poppy realises that her dad really is guilty of smuggling drugs and must serve his prison term. But he is still her 'hero'. This is a great story about love and friendship with a good dollop of adventure included.