White Oleander weaves the poignant narrative of Astrid Magnusson, a young girl navigating the turbulent waters of the Los Angeles foster care system after her mother, the enigmatic poet Ingrid, is imprisoned for murder. Entrapped within the confines of diverse homes, each carrying its distinct rules and hazards, Astrid embarks on a quest for self-discovery. Through a series of trials, faced with adversity, loneliness, and the daunting task of forging an identity without maternal guidance, Astrid's journey is an exploration into the resilience of the human spirit amid the pursuit of love, belonging, and the definition of family.