Seriously, you need to read this book and you need to read it NOW. I know it sounds even more crazy when I said I was thirteen when I became your father. Average Customer Ratings. A warm Jupiter orbiting a cool star Date: September 14, 2020 Source: Penn State Summary: A planet observed crossing in front of, or transiting, a … It was launched five years ago to study the planet's composition. It will probably make you cry, just a warning. As Schmidt explains, Orbiting Jupiter is “a 12-year-old kiddo telling a very adult story about finding love, having a child and losing both of them—… Jack is in sixth grade when his parents bring a foster child to their small farm... read more. How love overcomes negative experiences to trump all. Celebrations At Nasa As The Juno Satellite Is Now Orbiting Jupiter Itimes Updated on Jul 05, 2016, 12:47 IST After a five year journey from Earth, Juno the solar-powered spacecraft squeezed through a narrow band, skimming Jupiter's surface, avoiding the worst of … by Clarion Books. I have read a few reviews from parents who say this book is "too mature" for their precious and naive offspring and say this book is "poorly written." There's enough tragedy in the world just watching the news everyday. Wow, this was a sad book! Orbiting Jupiter Ending . I feel this is one of those books that is loaded with drama for the sake of drama, but doesn't really work as a meaningful story. Orbiting Jupiter Summary and Study Guide. While there is no swearing or sex, 13 year-olds become parents. This book tries to pry open the eyes of the neglectful minds of society who think because it doesn't happen to them, it doesn't happen to anyone. This is definitely one you need to put on your tbr pile. 1. The question is hard to answer as is. It's not a spoiler to say that Joseph has a baby daughter whom he has never met, and a highly dysfunctional home life, which led him to be living with Jack's family. “The events depicted in this film took place in Minnesota in 1987. More On: Fargo. But how many are there in total? The story is, on the surface, a very simple one. I was asked to review this for a global book club by my co worker to see if it was appropriate for middle school. In fact, planets like Jupiter are almost indistinguishable from brown dwarves, stars often called "failed" for being too small to produce energy by way of fusion. Don't bother. I have been witness to two different children severely abused and suicidal from home lives and their cases have been ignored - our pleas for help for these children completely disregarded by those sworn to protect them. The story is, on the surface, a very simple one. Don't miss this one, but get tissue for the inevitable sobbing. I really had trouble with this aspect of the book and the lesson it may convey. [I gotta deal with the fact that I'm a father at a young age, and may not be able to get my child...but one day I will. [It’s that the moral seems to be that if you have sex as a teenager, you will die, as both Joseph & his girlfriend Maddie do. Learn more about the inspiration behind chess player Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) in the 2020 series and what is true … Joseph's past has a lot in it. Fourteen-year-old Joseph is taken in as a foster child by a farming family, who has a slightly younger son, Jack. He lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan,with his wife and six children, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, feeds the wild cats that drop by and wishes that sometimes the sea breeze came that far inland. It's gotten to the point where I'm shocked when abuse survivors don't die at the end. I am a huge Gary Schmidt fan and have read this book. Orbiting Jupiter DRAFT. I think it's more for middle schoolers versus elementary school kids. Although I find the 13 year old father thing slightly...creepy? The planet is about seven times larger than the white dwarf star that it orbits every 34 hours. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. The last few chapters of the novel feels utterly throwaway, and "shocking" in a way that feels cheap and undeserved. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College. One of it's poignant moments: The unveiling of Joseph's backstory is slightly reminiscent of The Notebook and I'm not sure if it's a) because life looks different as a 13-year old, b) the cynicism of my adulthood has set in or c) if I really hope and believe that "true love" at such a young age exists. I have heard this book is too explicit because it mentions intercourse and it encourages bullying. And I wasn't let down. I read this in 2015 and it was one of my favorite books of the year. Played 34 times. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of “Orbiting Jupiter” by Gary D. Schmidt. This book was a masterpiece. Teen pregnancy aside, the emotional trauma and abuse encountered by teens are not only common, they are borderline scary in frequency. Seeing this trope in this book was annoying, and was frankly the only reason this didn't get five stars. Orbiting Jupiter is a 2015 young adult fiction novel written by Gary D. Schmidt, the author of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy and Okay for Now. Gary D. Schmidt's new novel, Orbiting Jupiter , is a moving story about love, family and loyalty. All Joseph wanted to see was his daughter that was taken away from him. Joseph's yearning to be with Jupiter reminded me so much of the great Aerosmith song, This book was a masterpiece. Everyone was scared of Joseph because he was an 8th grader with a kid and was always getting into trouble. A 14 year old boy fathered a baby daughter, got into some trouble at school, was sent to a juvenile detention center, and then into foster care with a loving farm family. NASA also released a movie made from pictures taken by Juno as it approached Jupiter. [ getting killed and having the foster family ending up adopting your child. I though. Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. PZ7.S3527 Or 2015. I hope you enjoy this book if you read it because I sure did. but this book is anything but simple. Pick this book up and read the first two chapters to find yourself finishing it by the end of the day. I loved everything about it. Yes I know that is hard to believe but it is true. The story of Sumathi, her husband, Hari, and her father, Janakiraman, is not based on a specific, true story that’s ripped from the headlines, but unfortunately, this type of honor killing is all too common for people living in the interiors of Tamil Nadu and in India, more generally speaking. The teenage father faces judgmental treatment and rude comments in his new community, and he's targeted by a trio of bullies. All Joseph wanted to see was his daughter that was taken away from him. There may be some sensitivity to the concluding chapters as well for some students, but I believe my seventh and eighth graders, as well as my mature sixth grade readers would be fine with the book. In what state does the story take place? As a result Fargo‘s “true story” claim is actually a lie, one that adds to the ever odd and almost mythic appeal of the movie. Orbiting Jupiter was able to grab my attention in a way that no other book has before. If you are ever in the mood to cry – now’s your chance. Orbiting Jupiter Schmidt, Gary D. (2015). Devastating, deeply moving story of love and resilience. I really loved how Jack's family had adopted Joseph with no problems and how they didn't want to take no for an answer. October 6th 2015 6th - 12th grade. This was just a wonderful YA book, and yes it has affected me emotionally and deeply. Edit. It's the path to the solution that's fascinating.”, Missouri Truman Readers Award Nominee (2018), Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Nominee (2018). I highly recommend this book. A super quick read about finding people who have your back. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. [Though the ending is possibly meant to make you cry more than everything that came before, I personally thought it was bordering on emotional manipulation. Is orbiting Jupiter a true story? I guessed the minute that Chekhov's Rotten Bridge showed up, remarked upon in a throwaway comment near the beginning of the book, that. Not entirely. This illustration depicts a giant planet the size of Jupiter, WD 1856 b. Some other YA realistic fiction books that deal with similar themes and issues include: this book is short. Edit. Teachers use these types of books more and more because it makes them more popular with students. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. Jack is in sixth grade when his parents bring a foster child to their small farm in Maine. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Get fun, free Holiday Gratitude activities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning. © Common Sense Media. Wow, this was a sad book! The bad makes the good moments that much better. I guess is the word, I loved what this book was doing in terms of first impressions versus someone's real personality. He had to split from the mom of Jupiter and all he has to remember his daughter is a picture he keeps with him at all times. I read this book to decide if I was going to use it for this year's Global Read Aloud in my 8th grade Enrichment classroom. Jack was never scared of him and he finally had a brother to look up to. LC Class. I honestly think it should be categorized in the young adult section rather than children. Joseph is a thirteen year old boy who is fostered by Jack's parents. I just read it again for a YA class and will amend the review a little to account for my current view of it. We barely get to know anything about Joseph, and his death feels pointless and utterly arbitrary. When Joseph has begun to believe he'll have a future, he is confronted by demons from his past that force a tragic sacrifice. Joseph was rude somethings but that's because he never had actually anyone to be there to care for him. Orbiting Jupiter is interesting. Now his greatest desire is to be with his daughter, Jupiter, named after his favorite planet and also in foster care. While it is quite melancholy, it is thoughtful and very well written, just like Schmidt's other books, and fans of the author and his writing should not give this one a miss. First and foremost, this book isn't anything other than real. It's not all that well written but the topics are more mature and more suited for older middle schoolers (8th grade and up) Why does anyone think a young adult (whether in high school or middle school) would want to read this? "Orbiting Jupiter" was required reading in my child's 7th grade class. See all 26 questions about Orbiting Jupiter…, 2016: What People Born in the 1980s Have Read in 2016, 45 of the Most Anticipated Sci-Fi and Fantasy Novels of 2021. Setting is likewise sparse, and everything is just slightly left vague, like the foggy jacket photo. It goes by so quickly because it's not too long and it's so good. I plan to read it aloud to my grade 7 class and connect with other classes around the world. Fourteen-year-old Joseph is from an abusive background and got into trouble for attacking a … I don't want to spoil Orbiting Jupiter for anyone, though. Again, I think killing characters with trauma in their pasts to make the audience sad sends the wrong message, especially when done in so many books. This includes a baby, his baby. Once I started reading the book I could not put it down, it was just that good of a book. 3 years ago. It doesn't encourage bullying, it encourages standing up if you see bullying happening. I really loved how Jack's family had adopted Joseph with no problems and how they didn't want to take no for an answer. If only all foster kids could be so lucky to get a family like this. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Practicando la gratitud durante las fiestas, Which Side of History? It's definitely my new favorite. Welcome back. Start by marking “Orbiting Jupiter” as Want to Read: Error rating book. A lot of the scenarios are forced as I don't think much of the decisions and outcomes are rooted in reality in modern day America - even if it is a small town in Maine. It is also about being understanding of those who have made mistakes, and helping them overcome them. But something a kilometer across? Fourteen-year-old Joseph is taken in as a foster child by a farming. This book includes several intense situations, but as a teacher in a very rural setting, I have seen these played out almost every single year I've been teaching. This could have been so, so much better- and nearly was, until three-quarters of the way through, when all of the plot devices you're hoping weren't going to be pulled out suddenly are, and the book ends on an almost insultingly predictable way. 34 times. Orbiting Jupiter (Book) : Schmidt, Gary D : Jack, 12, tells the gripping story of Joseph, 14, who joins his family as a foster child. This had all the makings of a truly amazing book- the writing, in particular, was so different from Schmidt's earlier books- haunting, spare, simple language. I've read The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt, which certainly had elements of sadness, but humor, too. I easily fell in love with Joseph and his foster family. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published heartbreaking. And the parents who try have the kids who grow up and can't handle the world and break. For one thing, how small a thing do you call a moon? The two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. The situations in the book are very tragic, dramatic modern day problems. Those of you who are still living under a rock pretending these issues do not exist are truly doing more harm than good. Gray Media Group Careers. Gary D Schmidt is one of my absolute favourite authors, hands down. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. I read this title in one sitting because it is impossible not to. Is Netflix's 'The Queen's Gambit' based on a true story? i cried,,, to say this storyline and writing is just beautiful would be an understatement. Full of hope and pain. There are better titles out there that encourage deep thought and conversation. But I wouldn’t make this up if to wasn’t true. I don't want to spoil Orbiting Jupiter for anyone, though. by flinng. Submit a Story. 948287511. Orbiting Jupiter is one of the best books I've ever read. I do agree that "Children's" is a misleading label, however. This includes a baby, his baby. All he had was one measly picture of her and it was the best that he could do for a while. The book is full of various dramatic situations, some related to the foster care system, along with incidents of violence, bullying, and emotional abuse. There's violence, a gun, for sure, and lots of bullying. Even though there is some mature subject matter involving teen p. I'm a middle school librarian and I think this book is appropriate for middle school. We're ignoring these issues and, by ignoring them and hoping they go away, almost accommodating those people that continue to abuse their children/position/authority. The world isn't full of rainbows and butterflies and sometimes that's okay. Heartbreaking. 1. If, say, something the size of Baby Yoda orbited Jupiter, I wouldn’t call it a moon*. Can't say enough about him. Recommended to Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ by: Beautiful and devastating. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Orbiting Jupiter is one of the best books I've ever read. its only about 200 pages and it took me less than an hour to read. Juno entered a polar orbit of Jupiter on 5 July 2016 UTC, to begin a scientific investigation of the planet. Parents can't shield their children away from pain and the tragedies of the world forever. The claim about superpowers is not true. Whether it is child or an adult. The characters remained a bit underdeveloped, but in a good way, like acquaintances rather than, This could have been so, so much better- and nearly was, until three-quarters of the way through, when all of the plot devices you're hoping weren't going to be pulled out suddenly are, and the book ends on an almost insultingly predictable way. Or rather, I was. ‎The two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. Overall. Joseph is a thirteen year old boy who is fostered by Jack's parents. Thoughts? Though there are some mature themes, the overall love, and longing of a relationship with a father and child is most prominent. “This is a true story,” white text against a black background reads. Which of the following is NOT true of Joseph? Even though there is some mature subject matter involving teen pregnancy, it is only the result of the pregnancy that is discussed in any detail in the book. WDBJ7 Careers. The two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. In fact, some less-savvy readers might miss when, exactly, the pregnancy occurred. It encourages the youth to know everyone has a story and to not judge a book by it's cover. What a perfect, sad, humanizing, little book. Gary D. Schmidt's new novel, Orbiting Jupiter , is a moving story about love, family and loyalty. The relationship between the two very young teens (one of whom is troubled and becomes a father at 13) is romanticized and portrayed as true love and something positive and even touching. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. It positively deals with child abuse, alcohol abuse and even teen pregnancy by showing what happens to kids exposed to these devastating and life altering events. Easy, well written read. Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt. I was crying during a lot of the book because it shows a lot of love and friendship (there are some sad parts, too). All he had was one measly picture of her and it was the best that he could do for a while. This had all the makings of a truly amazing book- the writing, in particular, was so different from Schmidt's earlier books- haunting, spare, simple language. Our media (TV shows in particular) started this trend and this level of drama and violence is almost expected now in order to be considered interesting. Joseph was rude somethings but that's because he never had actually anyone to be there to care for him. Juno spacecraft has successfully started orbiting Jupiter. The novel is set in rural Eastham, Maine, during the fall and winter of an unnamed modern-day school year. I am not particularly conservative, but felt this book was inappropriate. The two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. If you don’t believe me thats okay its hard to after everything I am saying. He has a child named Jupiter but he lost her. It encourages being brave enough to speak up for what's right. Leave the tragedies to Shakespeare and other good writers and find something more uplifting for our youth. Mr.canton- the vice principle who is a jerk to Joseph and a know it all Mr. D'Uleney- math teacher who inspires Joseph Coach Swieteck- a war veteran who believes and is impressed by Joseph Plus this book is fairly short If you had under two hours to spare and did not want to watch a movie, this would be a perfect go-to book! What are other books similar to this one? Absolutely gut wrenching. Jupiter was a beautiful name for his daughter. Jupiter was a beautiful name for his daughter. Ms. Taake was right, this book does give you all the feels. The book "Orbiting Jupiter" told an incredibly moving story about foster parenting, a young father, cute cows and having somebody's back. Gary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations. What parents need to know Parents need to know that Orbiting Jupiter is a heartrendingly tragic -- yet stubbornly hopeful -- novel by Newbery Honor-winning author Gary D. Schmidt (The Wednesday Wars). Juno is a NASA space probe orbiting the Jupiter planet. Is orbiting Jupiter a true story? Save. I am a cautious parent and teacher, and I am looking forward to the discussions I can lead and have with my students (and daughter) as we read this novel together. And Jack! We’d love your help. Mark Graham's Top 12 Legends of Lockdown 2020. This story is a present day reflection of what life is really like for kids and will help your own children understand why some kids act out. Orbiting Jupiter DRAFT. I was prepared to choose another title just because the main character was a teenage father; I'm so glad I read it for myself. This book WRECKED me. It shows Jupiter's four largest moons, Calisto, Ganymede, Europa and Io, orbiting the giant planet. Orbiting Jupiter. So why do I feel so utterly manipulated by this book? A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives By: Dashka Slater ... What listeners say about Orbiting Jupiter. All rights reserved. Joseph's past has a lot in it. It played my emotions like I was a Strad violin and the author a prodigy musician. “You know how teachers are. flinng. ... you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting. By the end of this book you will be in tears-joy or not. It was built by Lockheed Martin and is operated by NASA 's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on 5 August 2011 UTC, as part of the New Frontiers program. 15 quotes from Orbiting Jupiter: ‘You know how teachers are. Damaged in prison, Joseph wants nothing more than to find his baby daughter, Jupiter, whom he has never seen. Refresh and try again. 73% average accuracy. its a story of the highest quality. Sure, I guess that's maybe the point, but it just feels like a device. By that I mean 79 that we know of, including a dozen just found recently. I loved everything about it. If they get you to take out a book they love too, they're yours for life.’ 6th - 12th grade . It is pretty intense so I recommend 11 years and up, but it is the absolute best book ever! At the moment, Jupiter has 79 moons. ... passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. It's sickening and heartbreaking. They may even say the book was great and interesting. Summary Orbiting Jupiter delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a thirteen-year-old father, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. If they get you to take out a book they love too, they're yours for life.”, “It's not the solution, Mr. Canton. Story highlights. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural … The story deals with some mature issues that … English. He has a child named Jupiter but he lost her. I've read The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt, which certainly had elements of sadness, but humor, too. While it is quite melancholy, it is thoughtful and very well written, just like Schmidt's other books, and fans of the author and his writing should not give this one a miss. Other reviewers have mentioned the domestic violence, but by the age of the intended reader, whether it's part of their life or someone's they know, it won't be a surprise. I just finished reading the book myself. Beautiful. This book is about love, relationships, and consequences. It is not a book with a fluffy HOA, but will certainly lead to thoughtful discussions. The book was so good that it made Jupiter my favorite planet and that says a lot. Sure. I bought Orbiting Jupiter because it is the book being used for the Global Read Aloud this October (2016). Gary D. Schmit has done it again!!! 1. Find something fun for your kid to read and encourage their teachers to do so. It goes by so quickly because it's not too long and it's so good. Finally, there is no graphic sex. Students will actually finish the book when it has violence and several taboo topics in it. [someone- most likely the tragic, stoically doomed main character- was going to bite it in a completely telegraphed ahead of time way by falling through aforementioned bridge in a tragic and completely avoidable manner. wow, for such a short story, I felt invested pretty early on. When Jack meets his new foster brother, he already knows three things about him: To see what your friends thought of this book, I'm a middle school librarian and I think this book is appropriate for middle school. 73% average accuracy. As Schmidt explains, Orbiting Jupiter is “a 12-year-old kiddo telling a very adult story about finding love, having a child and losing both of them—… the writing is very straightforward and easy. 3 years ago. The characters remained a bit underdeveloped, but in a good way, like acquaintances rather than close friends. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. English. conflict/resolution Jack's dad- a hard worker, who protects Joseph like he is his own son. Richie’s Picks: ORBITING JUPITER by Gary D. Schmidt, Clarion, October 2015, 192p., ISBN: 978-0-544-46222-9. Orbiting Jupiter. Immediately ready to go to bat for Joseph! Jack always had his back and you could tell no one had ever before. I thought that it was sweet that Maria had named their daughter after Joseph's favorite planet. Claim: On Dec. 21, 2020, Jupiter and Saturn will align to make a rare "Christmas star." Personally, I don't think this is great or useful literature. They are not something the majority of people ever encounter in one lifetime.