Final Review

Book: Recommended
I think this book can appeal to all young readers by having both a male and female main character, but I do not think a lot would be able to identify with their situations. Even so, the Applewhites are a fun family to read about and keep the reader entertained.

Main characters:
E.D. Applewhite 12 years old (girl)
Jake Semple 13 years old (boy)

Focus:
Domestic Adventure

Content Area:
Art Ed

In a nut shell

Two main characters, E.D. and Jake, narrate, “Surviving the Applewhites”. E.D. is an Applewhite, but is the only Applewhite that is not artistic. She constantly struggles to fit in with her multitalented family and deal with their latest member addition. E.D. attends the Creative Academy, which was created and run by her family. E.D. is the most organized family member who now has to share her prized curriculum with unmotivated Jake. Jake is a troubled kid who has the choice of either attending the Creative Academy or going to Juvenile Hall. At first, Jake doesn’t care about anyone or anything at the Creative Academy, but eventually finds his place. The main event of the book is the major theater production, The Sound of Music, put on by everyone in the Applewhite family. Everyone bands together to make sure the play goes off without a hitch, but it takes more dedication than any of the Applewhites were expecting. The Applewhites are a crazy, unique, and creative family that will keep you entertained with their antics through the entire book.

The Art of Preditability

I don’t know if it is because I am a 20-year-old reading a young adult chapter book or how the story is structured, but the story is somewhat predictable. Overall, the story is light-hearted, warm and creative, but it all seems to work out just a little too perfect. Surviving the Applewhites is about Jake Semple who is a troublemaker with his last chance to stay out of Juvenile Hall. He ends up at the Creative Academy, a home school system created by the artistic Applewhite family. As soon as Jake was at the Applewhites home I knew he would be transformed into a respectable young man. The transformation seemed to take less than a year for Jake with hardly any major bumps along the way. I am not suggesting this book should have had a darker side, but could have had more of a realistic struggle and triumph for possible readers who are in the same situation.

I would have to say the very end of the book was not predictable, but disappointing. I think I was expecting more of a punch line or a hint at what would happen with the main characters. Both E.D. and Jake had major changes in their lives that in my opinion would affect their lifestyle. I think the book ended abruptly and would have liked to see more ends tied up.

Perspectives

I really enjoy the structure of this book. There are two main characters, a 12-year-old girl named E.D. Applewhites and a 13-year-old boy named Jake Semple. The chapters in the book switch back and forth telling the story between E.D.’s perspective and Jake’s perspective. This keeps the book moving at a good pace and more intriguing to read because the reader gets the story from two different perspectives.

Relations

I can relate to the main character E.D. when she is talking about how she is different from the rest of her family. I don’t feel as singled out as her, but I do differ from my family more than other members. I also relate to E.D. with the love of order. She likes organization, structure and a schedule. All of these things I want in life as well. On the other hand I am also like her family because I love art and creativity. Since I am able to identify with the main character it is more enjoyable to read because I understand where E.D. is coming from and I am able to feel along with her.

Secondary Reading and Language

Title: Surviving the Applewhites
Author: Stephanie S. Tolan

My first reaction to the first few chapters of this book was that I would have never read a book with this type of content when I was in middle/high school. I can definitely tell how the times have changed just by the mention of things in this book. The aspect of drugs, alcohol, vandalism and language is used much more freely than it was even five years ago. This is all not to say this book is promoting bad morals and values. I just have noticed a difference due to the ever changing (desensitizing) times.