Jupiter Rising

Ages 13 And Up, Grades 8 And Up

A powerful, affirming companion to award-winning author Gary Schmidt’s novel Orbiting Jupiter about family, friendship, and a boy named Jack who starts out running on the track team, and ends up running toward his future.

Jack can hardly wait till the adoption is finalized and Jupiter is officially part of his family. Jupiter's father, Joseph, was Jack's foster brother, and since Joseph's death Jack has missed him like anything. Now three years old, cheerful and loving, Jupiter is adored by Jack and his parents. Her adoption will let Jack keep his promise to Joseph: He will always know where Jupiter is.Meanwhile, Jack isn't happy about Coach's decision to pair him with star athlete Jay Perkins to prep him for the cross-country team. He and Jay have a history—Jay bullied Joseph, and Jack fought back. And besides, Jay doesn't want to hang out with a dumb eighth grader.As Jack begins to get the hang of running and starts to see Jay as almost a friend, the adoption hits a snag. Another couple intends to adopt Jupiter. As blood relatives, their claim is powerful. The adults in charge feel they know what's best for Jupiter, and Jack is powerless to change their decision.Jupiter's future hangs in the balance, and as he faces his own destiny, Jack will learn what love and loyalty can do.

About the Author

Gary D. Schmidt is the bestselling author of The Labors of Hercules Beal; Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars. He is also contributor to and co-editor of the acclaimed short story collection A Little Bit Super, co-edited by Leah Henderson. He lives in rural Michigan.