Orbiting Jupiter

Schmidt, G. (2015). Orbiting Jupiter. New York: Clarion Books.

Summary:

Twelve year old, Jack tells the story of how he came to meet 14 year old, Joseph, the young man his family decides to adopt. Jack has to learn to cope with a new individual living with him and becoming part of his family and  Joseph has to face and deal with some choices from his past that have affected him in ways nobody knows, but nothing hurts him more than not being able to have a strong father daughter relationship with his daughter Jupiter.  This is his journey to find acceptance of himself as he tries to repair the damages of his past.

Evaluative Criteria:

Style/ Characters

The style of Orbiting Jupiter brings in the reader due to the seriousness filled with emotion . Jack and Joseph’s individual personalities are seen throughout the story, while Jack deals with the new addition of a foster brother and Joseph handles the troubles of his past life.  The overall mood of the story leaves the reader feeling a bit heartbroken and a bit uplifting.  The characters of this story allow readers to connect to the story even if they have never experienced the complicated issues presented.  Jack is able to look beyond Joseph’s past and see him for the good and the person that stands in front him. He is able to accept Joseph and show compassion and understanding when others do not.  Joseph’s character is troubled and misunderstood as he deals with what it means to be a parent, rumors, and struggling to find who he is. Readers will love the bond and closeness of the characters as the story progresses.