Orbiting Jupiter

An emotionally powerful story of heartbreak, redemption, tragedy and hope.

This newest title by critically-acclaimed author Gary Schmidt will not disappoint fans of previous works, such as Okay for Now.  This is a story of contrasts, as told through the authentic voice of twelve-year-old narrator Jack, who has been raised by loving parents on their rural Maine farm.  He is confronted by the dark secrets that surround his new foster brother, Joseph, aged fourteen, who has recently been released from juvenile detention.  Joseph learns to trust his new family and reveals his longing to reunite with his infant daughter.  Schmidt masterfully relates this story of heartbreak and tragedy, yet offers readers the gifts of redemption and hope.

For titles with similar themes, consider The First Part Last by Angela Johnson, How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr, and I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan.