Surviving the Applewhites Stephanie S. Tolen

1. Surviving the Applewhites Stephanie S. Tolen Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolen is a book with a lot of fun characters. All of the Applewhites have their very artistic talents, except for E.D. She wants to be organized and prepared for the world she has to live in, unlike the rest of the family who lives in complete chaos. Jake Semple, a “bad boy” from Rhode Island, doesn't like living at Wit's End with the Applewhites. Nor does he like the Creative Academy they run. Winston, the family dog, and Destiny, the youngest Applewhite, love Jake and eventually he starts enjoying life at Wit's End with them. During his stay at the academy he discovers his own hidden talent, singing. The Creative Academy is no regular home school. Here you can do what ever you want, from studying art or like E.D do regular schoolwork. This book makes you feel good about yourself. Jake changes from a delinquent to a well normal teenager. He ends up cutting off all his scarlet spiked hair and taking out all of his earrings. When Randolph is asked to direct a play called “The Sound of Music” he discovers Jake talent and has him play Rolf, on of the main characters in the play. The play is all going smoothly until the whole technical staff decides to quit do to Randolph's bossiness. Thank goodness for a very artistic family. All the Applewhites decide to pitch in and help wit costumes, choreography, and E.D gets the job as stage manager which is great because it fits her really well. Then they face yet another problem when Mrs. Montrose, head of the board, decides to cancel the show. E.D thinks they could have it in the barn and the rest of the family agrees and thinks it's a great idea. The begin working on the lighting and audio equipment. Some of the local high school kids decide to help them turn the Applewhite barn into a theater. By opening night they find out that the barn can only hold the camera crew and the parents of the cast. In the middle of the play yet another problem strikes. An unlikely someone saves the day and the play goes on. To find out what happens at the end read the book. It's a great book! Paige Ingalsbe