"Bad Apple" is a jewel of a book that celebrates individuality. Mac is a good apple. He helps his teachers, shares his toys and is very content in his world. One morning he wakes up different. A worm named Will has housed itself in his shiny interior. Mac finds his new companion fun. They fly kites and play games together. When the other apples see him, they call him names and shun him from the group. None of the other apples will play with him anymore, and worse than that, they call him a "rotten apple". He is altered and they persecute him for his difference.
Although he and Will continue to have a good time together, ever the good friend, Will leaves so Mac will be accepted by his friends once again. However, nothing is the same. Much as he's been accepted once again, it just doesn't feel right. Mac misses Will's companionship. Searching all their old hangouts, they find each other and realize, "he'd rather be a Bad Apple with Will than a sad apple without him."
"Bad Apple" celebrates individuality. Touching upon the obsession with appearance governing our culture, Hemingway allows that we don't need group approval. Difference can be pleasing and after exploring new things, we enrich ourselves as well as others around us.
Bullying is a hot button topic because so many brave people have had the courage to address it. Hemingway's easy to read text is a great platform for discussions on acceptance, friendship, bravery and tolerance. "Bad Apple", the book turns out to be a 'golden apple" of a read.
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