Surviving the Applewhites is a children’s novel written by American author Stephanie S. Tolan and was first published in 2002.

The narrative follows Jake Semple, a troubled teenager forced to move in with the unconventional and eccentric Applewhite family following an incident at school. Jake struggles to fit in at first but gradually sheds his past transgressions and undergoes a transformative journey toward self-discovery and redemption. The novel touches on Personal Growth and Transformation, Individuality Versus Conformity, and The Importance of Family and Community.

Surviving the Applewhites received recognition as a Newbery Honor Book in 2003, among other awards. In 2006, it was adapted into a theatrical production at the Columbus Children’s Theatre. The novel is the first installment in a trilogy, with two sequels delving into the further adventures of the Applewhite clan.

This guide uses the eBook edition of Surviving the Applewhites, published by Harper Collins in 2012.

Content Warning: The source material uses outdated terms regarding ethnic backgrounds.

Plot Summary

Surviving the Applewhites is told through the perspectives of two narrators: Jake Semple and E.D. Applewhite, the novel’s protagonists.

Thirteen-year-old Jake, a troublemaker with spiky red hair, earrings, an eyebrow ring, and a penchant for black clothes, finds himself in a precarious situation. Expelled from every public school in Rhode Island for allegedly burning down his previous school and with both parents incarcerated for cultivating marijuana, Jake is placed under the care of his grandfather, Henry Dugan. Frustrated by Jake’s rebellious tendencies, Henry arranges for Jake’s enrollment in The Creative Academy, a homeschooling initiative administered by the Applewhites, an eccentric family of artists. Should Jake decline, the alternative is juvenile detention.

When Jake arrives at Wit’s End, the estate on which The Creative Academy sits, he immediately feels out of place. He meets E.D., the 12-year-old daughter of the Applewhite family, who immediately judges him for his appearance and demeanor. Unapologetically rebellious, Jake smokes, swears, and maintains a standoffish attitude. He teases E.D. for her name—she is named after Edith Wharton but prefers the abbreviated and seemingly more dignified E.D. as her moniker.

When he meets the rest of the Applewhite family, Jake is immediately struck by the eccentric and humorous nature of their familial dynamic. Each member has a unique artistic talent: Zedediah and Archie craft furniture, Sybil is a writer, Randolph directs theater, and Lucille writes poetry. Even the younger Applewhites have artistic abilities. Cordelia excels in ballet, Hal is an artist who never leaves his room, and four-year-old Destiny already displays a knack for singing. E.D. stands out as the sole member without apparent artistic inclinations—instead, she prides herself on her organizational skills, feeling undervalued by her family. While the Applewhites thrive amid chaos, E.D. finds solace in order and structure. Adding to the eclectic mix is the family’s array of pets: two adopted goats, a swearing parrot named Petey, and a faithful dog, Winston.

Jake is deeply dissatisfied during the initial weeks of his stay. Forbidden from smoking, confined to a lavender-themed room, and weary of the imposed vegetarian diet, he struggles to adjust. He and E.D. find themselves paired up for classes, much to E.D.’s dismay. She resents sharing coursework with someone she views as a delinquent and longs for her lost independence. While E.D. diligently works on the Butterfly Project, documenting various butterfly species, Jake introduces a novel approach—he collects caterpillars and observes their metamorphosis into butterflies within an aquarium. E.D. can’t help but feel envious of Jake’s innovative idea. Meanwhile, Lucille’s guru, Govindaswami, and journalist Jeremy Bernstein, who wants to write about the family’s artistic talents, take up residence at the estate.

One day, Randolph is tasked with directing a production of The Sound of Music at the local theater. Amid the challenges of preproduction, Randolph finds himself without a crew. However, the Applewhites rally together, each contributing their unique talents to salvage the play. Jake, too, becomes an integral part of the production, landing the role of Rolf, while E.D. steps up as stage manager, utilizing her organizational skills. Even Govindaswami and Bernstein actively contribute: Govindaswami prepares delicious meals for the family, and Bernstein provides musical accompaniment with his accordion. Through this experience, Jake undergoes a profound personal transformation. He discovers a passion for acting and singing and forms meaningful connections with Destiny and Winston, finding his place within the community. Meanwhile, a black butterfly emerges from its cocoon in the aquarium.

Just two weeks before the scheduled opening night, a new obstacle looms large as the president of the community theater abruptly cancels the play. While panic sets in among the rest of the family, E.D. astutely proposes transforming their family barn into a makeshift theater. As they work together to clean out the barn and meticulously prepare for the production, the Applewhites forge stronger bonds than ever before. Against all odds, the play is a triumph, earning glowing reviews from critics. Encouraged by the success of the production, Randolph entertains the idea of staging more shows at Wit’s End. For E.D., the recognition of her organizational skills validates her position within the family, while Jake discovers his passion for performing. He decides to change his appearance, shedding his scarlet hair and discarding his piercings. At the end of the novel, the butterflies have all emerged from their cocoons.