orbiting jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

This one's going to be difficult to explain without giving away too much of the story line, but I'll do my best.

So far orbiting jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt is this year's tear-jerker for 2018 Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  It's a quick read, but not for those wanting an easy read.  I guarantee you'll be crying, so have tissue ready when you sit down to read it.  Nonetheless, what a great book!  Difficult themes carry the plot along, and it doesn't shy away from any of it.  You'll be rooting for Jack, the narrator, his parents, but mostly for Joseph.  He's had a difficult life, and Jack's family has taken him in as their foster son.

I love the way Schmidt hints at the difference this family makes in the young boy's life.  Plus, Jack just seems like a great kid too.  The book covers real subjects and will cause readers to pause before making judgments about others - at least I hope so!

Even though it covers heavy issues, this book is a great addition to middle school libraries.