Bad Apple

Bad Apple deals with some serious issues. It is a story about a girl who had been allegedly involved in an illicit relationship with one of her teachers. As a result, she has to deal with the negative image that everyone has of her. I enjoyed this, but I didn't love it. It was well-written, but I still struggled to get through it. ( )

This book was funny, I really liked how strange the family was. Q4P4 AHS/Karissa B

When I started Bad Apple, I must admit, I found it weird and uninviting. The characters seemed unidentifiable, and the plot was strange. However, as the story progressed it really started to take shape and capture my attention. The characters suddenly made more sense, as did the plot. As the end neared, I found myself wondering what would happen and if Tola would finally reveal the truth. I must say, the ending is not spectacular, however it does have a point to it, and seems to sum up the book well enough. So for anyone reading Bad Apple, I urge you to keep reading! It really is a fun and enjoyable read. ( )

Ages 12 and up

When Tola Riley is accused of having an illicit affair with her art teacher, she finds that no one wants to hear the real truth, least of all herself. ( )

Bad Apple was fairly predictable in it’s plot in almost all areas with the exception of the most important one — the did she or didn’t she reveal. The back and forth of each step down the path to that ultimate revelation was well done. I personally didn’t know if the affair happened, at what level and who initiated it until the very bitter end and I appreciated that fact. I liked that we got to see small glimpses of the truth but didn’t know that it was. It made that part of the story more intriguing and enjoyable.

The different characters were equally interesting. Most particularly I had a strong reaction to the young bully Ruby created in Chelsea Patrick. Scorned after the dissolution of her former friendship with Tola she takes to tormenting her in the hallways,on her blog and just about anywhere she could possibly find. This young woman was spiteful, bitter and it seemed to me one step away from escalating into some form of violence. She also played a significant role in Tola’s circumstances (which I will not spoil) with Mr. Mymer that furthered the progression of the story quite significantly.

On the other hand, I found the art as therapy angle to be a bit too convenient and sweet, particularly at the end of the book when the grand reveal and resolution was made public. The older woman who took Tola under her wing was a small part of the story but one that ended up glossing over. She was a means to an end but it was an end that was just kind of there.

Further, the budding romance between Tola and Seven was cute and added a much needed respite from the drama and dysfunction. Again, this was a small part of the larger whole but one that I appreciated. I also found the quirky neurotic sister who constantly sassed everyone to be fun as well, she brought a slight humor to the events.

All in all Bad Apple was a quick and entertaining read one that is safe for later aged pre-teen and teen aged readers interested in stories about high-school dynamics and navigating different types of relationships. ( )