White Oleander, by Janet Fitch is a compelling story of the transformation of young Astrid Magnussen — a 12-year-old who lives with her mother, a self-centered, cold-hearted and eccentric poet named Ingrid Magnussen, who shows little interest in Astrid.

Ingrid gets into a relationship with a Barry Kolker, a man she was once repulsed by, but as he continues to woo her she becomes dependent and love struck. When he leaves her, she is shattered and takes revenge by poisoning him with a mixture of DMSO, an arthritis drug, and oleander sap. She is charged with his murder and sentenced to prison, forcing Astrid's into the foster-care system.

Astrid must endure awful home after awful home, until she is 17 and gets to live with her dream family, the Richards — Claire, a former actress, and Ron. Astrid is doing better at school and is finally able to pursue her love of art. When Claire starts suspecting Ron of cheating, she becomes depressed and commits suicide by overdosing. Astrid decides to turn her back against the world, including her mother.

After Astrid moves to her final home with a Russian immigrant, Rena Grushenka, she finds that her mother has fans and followers who believe she is innocent, they are trying to appeal her case, but they need Astrid to testify that her mother did not kill Barry. Astrid won't without first finding out the truth about her past.

Amanda Martinez is a 2010 Capital High graduate. You can reach her at mandamtz88@yahoo.com.