46 pages • 1 hour read
Joshua WhiteheadJonny Appleseed
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead, the protagonist Jonny navigates life as a Two-Spirit, queer Indigenous person while trying to earn enough money through webcamming to return to his reserve for his stepfather’s funeral. Flashbacks reveal his upbringing and complex relationship with his childhood friend Tias. Some chapters reference childhood abuse and explicit sexual acts.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Joshua Whitehead's Jonny Appleseed has been highly praised for its raw, poetic narrative and vivid portrayal of Two-Spirit Indigiqueer experiences. Readers appreciate its authenticity and emotional depth, though some find the non-linear structure challenging. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its bold exploration of identity, resilience, and community.
Who Should Read Jonny Appleseed?
Readers of Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead would likely enjoy raw, evocative narratives exploring queer Indigenous identities. They may also appreciate the introspective style found in works like Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko and the candid coming-of-age exploration akin to Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin.