It takes a firm apple to stand up to bullies. When Mac, an apple, meets Will, a worm, they become fast friends, teaching each other games and even finishing each others sentences. But apples arent supposed to like worms, and Mac gets called rotten and bad apple. At first, Mac doesnt know what to do--its never easy standing up to bullies--but after a lonely day without Will, Mac decides hed rather be a bad apple with Will than a sad apple without. Charming . . . Social norms force Mac and Will apart; surprisingly effective, fruit-related pathos ensues before the two friends decide to buck convention and like whom they like. Who cares what anyone thinks?--The New York Times