Book details
Operation Oleander
Description
"Full of detail about Army life, Patterson's elegant prose brings readers deep inside Jess's conflicted point of view." —Publishers Weekly Ninth grader Jess Westmark had the best of intentions when she started Operation Oleander to raise money for a girls' orphanage in Kabul. She named her charity for the flower that grows both in her Florida hometown and in Afghanistan, where her father is deployed. But on one of her father's trips to deliver supplies to the orphans, a car bomb explodes nearby and her father is gravely injured. Worse, her best friend's mother and some of the children are killed. Is this all Jess's fault?
Age
10-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
192 pages
Why to read
- Exploration of Complex Themes: 'Operation Oleander' delves into intricate topics such as the moral complexities of humanitarian aid, the impact of war on civilians, and the challenges of cross-cultural interactions, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on global issues.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Jess, undergoes significant personal growth throughout the story, offering readers a chance to connect with and learn from her experiences as she navigates difficult moral decisions and the consequences of her actions.
- Emotional Engagement: Valerie O. Patterson's writing elicits a strong emotional response, encouraging readers to empathize with the characters and their situations, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the emotional toll of conflict and the importance of compassion.
- Educational Value: By reading 'Operation Oleander', individuals can gain insight into the realities of life in a war-torn country and the complexities of aid work, making it a valuable read for those interested in international relations, ethics, and social justice.