Code Orange

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

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Code Orange

Genre: Young Adult Fiction; Thriller; Medical Drama
Originally Published: 2005
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 850L; Young Adult
Structure/Length: Novel divided into 19 chapters; approx. 200 pages; approx. 4 hours and 51 minutes on audiobook
Protagonist/Central Conflict: Code Orange is a young adult thriller by Caroline B. Cooney. The central conflict revolves around Mitty Blake, a high school student in New York City who stumbles upon an old and potentially deadly smallpox scab in a book he borrowed from the library. As he becomes obsessed with the possibility of having contracted a deadly disease, Mitty’s life takes a dangerous turn. The novel explores themes of fear, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes related to disease outbreaks, fear, and ethical dilemmas, references to suicide and the positives of death

Caroline B. Cooney, Author

Bio: Born 1947; American author acclaimed for her young adult novels; has written over 100 books in various genres, from thrillers to romance; known for her engaging storytelling and thought-provoking narratives.
Other Works: Safe as the Grave (1979); Fog (1989); The Face on the Milk Carton (1990); Both Sides of Time (1995); Hit the Road (2006); Three Black Swans (2010); The Wrong Good Deed (2023)
Awards: Young Adults’ Choices (2007)