White Oleander is a story about a girl named Astrid and her experiences in California's foster care system. After being taken away from her mother at the young age of 12 she is bounced from foster family to foster family. After finally settling down with a nice husband and wife who truly care for her, Astrid thinks her life is going to change for the better. But is this fairly tale life going to last?

Janet Fitch was born in Los Angeles, was a third generation native, and grew up in a family of readers. She attended undergraduate school at Reed College, where she wanted to be a historian. On her 21st birthday, she changed her mind, and decided to write fiction. Fitch stated that the reason she decided to write fiction was because she wanted to be alive. She first worked as a typesetter, proofreader, graphic artist, a freelance journalist, managining editor of American Film magazine, and editor of The Macos Times Tribune. Fitch writes all the time, seven days a week, whether she likes it or not. She says, "I'm never inspired, unless I write." Her writing process is interesting because she has to read poetry before she writes. She believes that poetry sensitize rhythms and music of language. In 1995, her first short story "Kicks" was published in a newspaper. "Kicks" is a story about a girl and her struggles growing up. Fitch told publisher's Weekly that some of the experiences the main character Laurie faced were based off of her own experiences. In 1999 she wrote White Oleander, which she received a lot of national attention, being featured on Oprah’s Book Club. The book White Oleander developed from a short story Fitch previously wrote that was published in \"Black Warrior Review.

*Kicks, Clarion Books (New York City), 1995.

*Paint It Black'', Little, Brown (Boston), 2006.

* "Janet Fitch." Home Page for Janet Fitch. 2006. 28 Nov. 2006 <http://literati.net/Fitch/>.

* "White Oleander." Oprah Book Club. 28 Nov. 2006 <http://www.oprah.com/obc/pastbooks/janet_fitch/obc_pb_19990506.jhtml>.

* "Janet Fitch." The Authors. 2006. 28 Nov. 2006 <http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/authors/80/1565/index.html>.Primary and secondary sources

* "Paint It Black." Book Page. 2006. 28 Nov. 2006 <http://www.bookpage.com/0609bp/janet_fitch.html>.

1. What made Ingrid so bitter?

2. Why did Claire commit suicide?

3. Did Astrid enjoy her life with Claire and all of the pampering and expensive clothing?

4. What did Ingrid tell Claire when they talked in jail?

5. What power does Ingrid have over Astrid?

6. What happened with Davey and did Astrid feel guilty about it?

7. What happened with Olivia?

8. What is the connection between Astrid and her mother in the beginning of the book?

9. Are the two college girls who come and talk to Astrid, all that different from Astrid and her mother?

10. What kind of classes does Claire inroll Astrid in? How does this make her feel?

11. What significance do White Oleanders have?

12. What does Claires reaction to the homeless man tell you about her personality? Could this be forshadowing?

1. Throughout the book, what can you infer about Astrid and Ingrid's relationship before, during, and after Ingrid went to prison?

2. Did Astrid try to make each of her foster mothers a substitute for Ingrid? If so, which ones?

3. Which foster mother do you think Astrid had the most connection with? Why?

4. Did Astrid try to impress her mother in the beginning? Did that change throughout the story?

5. What would your feelings be if you had to watch your mother go to prison?

6. How did Ingrid have power over Astrid?

7. Why was Ingrid jealous of Claire?

8. Do you think that Ingird might have had a hand in killing Claire?