Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Devastating, deeply moving story of love and resilience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say that this book addresses intense and mature themes such as child abuse, teen pregnancy, and emotional trauma, reflecting real-life issues faced by many young people today. While some parents feel it's inappropriate for younger readers, others appreciate its heartfelt narrative, relatable characters, and the potential it has for fostering important discussions about love, relationships, and the struggles faced by youth.
- real issues
- emotional trauma
- love and relationships
- fosters discussion
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 39 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an emotional journey that tackles heavy themes such as teenage pregnancy, family bonds, and loss in a poignant manner, often leaving readers in tears. While some reviews warn about its mature content and violence, many praise its well-developed characters and the heartfelt message about friendship and love, making it a powerful read for mature teens.
- emotional journey
- heavy themes
- strong characters
- heartfelt message
- appropriate for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Jack is 12 when his family takes in Joseph, a 14-year-old kid in foster care who fathered a child and was sent to a detention center for assaulting a teacher. Joseph doesn't like to be touched or to have anyone stand behind him, and he smiles so rarely Jack can count each time. Classmates and adults hear about Joseph's history before they meet him, and many have made up their minds. Bullies call him "Psycho," and the vice principal says he's trouble and that he'll drag Jack down with him. But Jack sees a softer side to Joseph, and a few teachers recognize a gifted student who'd thrive with a little extra attention -- even go to college. But no one believes Joseph can get what he really wants: to be with his baby daughter.
Is It Any Good?
Don't underestimate this book's spare writing and slim size: Your heart will ache for author Gary Scmidt's taciturn young Joseph long before you begin to understand his suffering. ORBITING JUPITER echoes the bleak tones of Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome and ramps up tragedy to a Shakespearean scale. It stops short of hurtling over the to edge, thanks to empathetic, quietly remarkable characters drawn in quick but telling strokes.
Schmidt carefully crafts a portrait of a boy doing his best in bad circumstances and the people who recognize his worth and go out on a limb to help him. The grim events ultimately point to a hopeful and inspiring message of love and community.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way violence is presented. This book has a brutal scene and hints at many others. How does the violence compare with, say, that in an action movie or comic book? Does the way violence is depicted affect how you feel about it? (For help, see our articles on discussing violence in media.)
Who are the upstanders in Joseph's life, and how do they support him?
Do you know a kid who reminds you of Joseph, who tends to be dismissed by other kids and adults? Taking a page from Joseph's teachers, think about that kid's strengths and positive assets. Consider what difficulties that kid might have endured.
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : October 6, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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