Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

 Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. Young Adult fiction.




From the very first page, readers know as well as Jack and his parents that Joseph has had problems. When Joseph comes to live as a foster child in the cold Maine winter, the family is changed forever. Innocent Jack tells the story, noting every time Joseph smiled as he seems to adjust to life in their home. But, Joseph has a child, a tiny baby daughter that he longs to see, and a father, who has been abusive and is out for money. Joseph has a record of abusing substances, of violence, and of not following the rules. Will Jack follow Joseph?




This is a tale of love: a family's love, a father's love, the love of teachers who take extra steps to make sure students have a chance, and the special love of parents who want to give their children a chance at better lives.  Told in a straight forward manner, this book will touch your heart, break it, and give you hope for the future. Gary D. Schmidt, an award winning author, has written another book that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.