I have loved all of Gary Schmidt's previous works and was thrilled to see that he wrote a new teen novel. Orbiting Jupiter held up to my expectations and is a beautiful, well-written story of a 14 year old boy, Joseph, as told by 12 year old Jack.
Jack and his parents are a very happy, close family that live on a farm. One day they are asked to take in a troubled young man that has recently been released from a juvenile detention center after the attempted murder of his teacher.
Jack is told by everyone, except his parents, to stay away from Joseph, as they can't see beyond his past mistakes. Immediately upon entering the home, Jack and his parents treat Joseph as part of the family and never judge him for the heinous crime that he committed. Slowly, Joseph begins to open up to the family and they learn his incredible and sad story.
When Joseph was 13, he fell in love with a young girl and they ended up having a daughter named Jupiter. He is desperate to find and meet his infant daughter despite the girl's parents being insistent on Joseph never finding his her.
After spending time with Jack and his parents, Joseph begins to believe he can have a happy future. When he finally gains confidence in himself, he is confronted by his terrible history which leads to an emotional and intense ending.
-Lauren
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