42 pages • 1 hour read
Orbiting Jupiter
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Rural Maine • Contemporary
2015
YA
12-17 years
740L
Super Short Summary
In Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt, twelve-year-old Jack Hurd's family fosters 14-year-old Joseph Brook, who has a troubled past including attacking a teacher and having a daughter named Jupiter he's never met. As Jack and Joseph's friendship grows, Joseph bravely attempts to reconnect with his daughter, facing numerous challenges and dangers, ultimately impacting everyone around him deeply. Themes of teenage pregnancy, juvenile detention, and grief are present.
Melancholic
Emotional
Heartwarming
Challenging
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
53,658 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gary D. Schmidt's Orbiting Jupiter is praised for its emotional depth, compelling characters, and sensitive handling of difficult topics like foster care and young parenthood. Critics highlight the poignant narrative and strong character development. However, some reviewers found the plot predictable and wished for more complexity in secondary characters.
Who Should Read Orbiting Jupiter?
A potential reader for Gary D. Schmidt’s Orbiting Jupiter is a young adult who enjoys poignant, character-driven stories about resilience and friendship. Fans of Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind or John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars will appreciate the emotional depth and realistic portrayal of teenage struggles.
53,658 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joseph Brook
Joseph Brook
A 14-year-old foster child living with the Hurds who is quiet and standoffish at first but gradually opens up with Jack, showing his athletic talents and childlike tendencies.
Mr. Hurd
Mr. Hurd
Jack's father and a hardworking farmer who exercises wisdom and compassion toward both Jack and Joseph, serving as a role model within the family.
Mrs. Hurd
Mrs. Hurd
Jack's mother, who fulfills traditional maternal duties while also making strong moral decisions, and is listened to with respect by Jack and Joseph.
Mrs. Stroud
Mrs. Stroud
A social worker responsible for placing Joseph with the Hurds, who provides guidance and information about Joseph's past and his father's interference with legal matters.
Mr. Brook
Mr. Brook
Joseph's biological father and the main antagonist, known for his greed and past abusive behavior toward Joseph.
Mr. Canton
Mr. Canton
The vice principal of Eastham Middle who is concerned about Joseph's influence on Jack but at times allows his mistrust to cloud his judgment.
Coach Swieteck, Mr. D’Ulney, and Mrs. Halloway
Coach Swieteck, Mr. D’Ulney, and Mrs. Halloway
A group of teachers who support Joseph's growth, recognizing his athletic, mathematical, and reading talents, and mentoring him during his suspension from school.
192
Novel • Fiction
Rural Maine • Contemporary
2015
YA
12-17 years
740L
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