Surviving the Applewhites
HarperCollins 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family and belonging
- individuality
- creativity and the arts
- identity and self-discovery
- acceptance
- nontraditional schooling
- friendship
- second chances
About this book
Rebellious Jake Semple is sent to live with the Applewhites, a wildly creative, homeschooling family whose home—called Wit's End—runs on art, projects, and chaos. Paired with E.D. Applewhite, who longs for order and a plan, Jake must find his place amid actors, dancers, and dreamers. As a big family production pulls everyone together, both Jake and E.D. discover surprising talents and new ways to belong. Funny and warm, this is a great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy quirky families, school alternatives, and stories about self-discovery.
Setting: a creative family compound called Wit's End in rural North Carolina, contemporary time
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surviving the Applewhites right for my child?
Yes — Surviving the Applewhites is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family and belonging, individuality, creativity and the arts.
How long does it take to read Surviving the Applewhites?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Surviving the Applewhites takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Surviving the Applewhites have an AR quiz?
Yes — Surviving the Applewhites has an AR quiz available, worth 8 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Surviving the Applewhites?
Surviving the Applewhites has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.