Surviving the Applewhites

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outcast, a troublemaker, or simply like they do not fit the mold society has created for them. It is an ideal choice for the student who struggles with traditional schooling or the child who hides their sensitivity behind a tough exterior. The story follows Jake Semple, a juvenile delinquent sent to live with the eccentric Applewhite family on their creative commune, Wit's End. Through their chaotic and artistic lifestyle, Jake discovers that he is not a bad kid, but rather a talented individual who just needed the right environment to flourish. This Newbery Honor book offers a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of identity and belonging for middle schoolers. It normalizes the feeling of being different and celebrates the idea that everyone has a unique gift, making it a perfect conversation starter about self worth and the various ways people learn and grow.