Orbiting Jupiter — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires.
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.
After spending time in a juvenile facility, he's placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Here Joseph, damaged and withdrawn, meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled, passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost.
When Jack meets his new foster brother, he knows three things about him:
- Joseph almost killed a teacher.
- He was incarcerated at a place called Stone Mountain.
- He has a daughter. Her name is Jupiter. And he has never seen her.
What Jack doesn't know, at first, is how desperate Joseph is to find his baby girl. Or how urgently he, Jack, will want to help.
But the past can't be shaken off. Even as new bonds form, old wounds reopen. The search for Jupiter demands more from Jack than he can imagine.
This tender, heartbreaking novel is Gary D. Schmidt at his best. He is the author of the Printz Honor and Newbery Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; Okay for Now, a National Book Award finalist; and The Wednesday Wars, a Newbery Honor Book, among his many acclaimed novels for young readers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orbiting Jupiter appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book addresses intense themes such as child abuse and emotional trauma. Joseph, the teenage father, has a history of abuse from his father, which is revealed throughout the story, and he faces bullying in his new community. While the book deals with heavy themes such as abuse and bullying, it does not contain genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The focus is more on emotional struggles than on horror.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have violence?
The book addresses intense themes such as child abuse and emotional trauma. Joseph, the teenage father, has a history of abuse from his father, which is revealed throughout the story, and he faces bullying in his new community.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have scary content?
While the book deals with heavy themes such as abuse and bullying, it does not contain genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The focus is more on emotional struggles than on horror.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. While the author is described as a practicing Christian, this is not relevant to the book's narrative.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme in the book. The narrative focuses on family dynamics and personal struggles rather than racial issues or themes.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have profanity?
There are instances of cursing in the book, particularly from Joseph's father, which reflects the harsh realities of his life. However, the overall use of profanity appears to be limited.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have climate change?
There are no themes related to climate change or environmental issues in the book. The narrative centers around personal and familial challenges rather than ecological topics.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have sexual identity?
The narrative includes references to Joseph's relationship with Maddie, which led to her pregnancy. While there are no explicit sex scenes, the implications of their sexual relationship and the consequences are significant themes in the story.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It focuses on the experiences of a teenage father and his relationships, but does not promote or challenge traditional gender expectations.
Does Orbiting Jupiter have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly present in the book. The search results focus on the story of a teenage father and his struggles, without mentioning LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
