Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Orbiting Jupiter Book Review 

Rating: 4.5/5

Orbiting Jupiter was a pretty short read, but packs an emotional rollercoaster. We started a new book unit in my English class, and this book was one of the options. I read it in one sitting and it was one of the most compelling books I've read. The author, Gary D. Schmidt, did a very good job of conveying a range of emotions, from simple happiness to painful sadness. I felt fully immersed in the setting, characters, and plot.

Orbiting Jupiter is narrated by a 12-year-old boy named Jack, whose family fosters a 14-year-old boy named Joseph. Joseph had a troubled past, becoming a father at 13 and going to juvenile prison for almost killing his teacher. All Joseph wanted was to see his daughter, Jupiter, and throughout the book, I continuously hoped that he would. This book was captivating from start to finish, and Joseph's character really supports the saying, 'never judge a book by its cover.' I would totally recommend it if you are looking for a short but heart wrenching read.

Jack Hurd and his family foster a boy named Joseph Brook, a 14-year-old who went to juvenile prison for almost killing his teacher. When Joseph first arrives at the Hurd's home, he is closed off from others, but eventually opens up to Jack. Joseph tells Jack about his daughter, Jupiter, and how desperate he is to find her. But when Jack and his family agree to help, scars from Joseph's past start to reopen and finding Jupiter proves to be more difficult than they thought. This story follows the search for Jupiter, and along the way, shows the importance of friendship and trust. 

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