Surviving the Applewhites
|
Surviving the Applewhites
Grades 5 & up
Realistic Fiction
Listen! Plague Year |
Book Summary:
Jake has been branded as a bad boy, and his last chance rests with the non-traditional, extremely creative, homeschooling Applewhite family. E.D., a middle child in the Applewhite family, is struggling with feeling ordinary in an exceptionally talented family. With so many strong personalities under one roof, can this family pull together for anything? Book Review: In alternating chapters, Jake and E.D. struggle to define themselves against a background of eccentric personalities. E.D. desperately wants to be more than she thinks she is, while Jake isn't convince he should ever try anything again. Although the cast is a bit kooky, both Jake and E.D. are relatable to many readers. E.D.'s perspective is more realistic, and although Jake's character has more interesting potential, he ultimately works most as a catalyst for E.D.'s change. The message that everyone has something valuable to give is an important one to examine. This book might be better used as a writing mentor text for students, or in small-group discussions for groups interested in its themes and topics; it's not a title that typically grabs students during independent reading. "Invisible, that's what she was. The invisible Applewhite. It was too much. She wanted out of this family"
|
If you like this book, you may also like . . .
Absolutely Almost
|
Schooled
|
Lunch Money
|
