Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Need a good middle grade read? Easy. Read a book by Gary D. Schmidt (two-time Newbery Honor winner). Orbiting Jupiter (Clarion Books, 2015) was no exception. It’s labeled young adult, but the main character is in sixth grade. I think if it was published now, it probably would be labeled middle grade, although there are definitely tough topics.
Sixth-grader Jack and his family are taking in an eight-grader. They’ve been warned, Joseph tried to kill his teacher, and he has a 3-month old daughter he’s never met. But when Joseph comes, Rosie, the cow loves him. According to Jack, “You can tell all you need to know about someone from the way cows are around him.” Does that mean having Joseph in their lives is easy? No. But you’ll have to read it to see what happens.
This is such a heartfelt heart-breaking book–a mixtures of sadness and joy.
Read about Gary and his books here.
I haven’t read this one but certainly will after going through your review. You know you are in good hands with a Gary D. Schmidt book. Thanks for the post and Happy MMGM!
I agree! Don’t think I’ve read any of his I didn’t like.
I believe I’ve seen this book before, and it sounds incredibly impactful. I’ve only read Schmidt’s book The Wednesday Wars (and a long time ago at that), but I don’t doubt for a second that he of all authors would have the skill to tackle a story like this. Thanks so much for the thoughtful review, Susan!
You definitely want to read more of his!
I haven’t read a Gary Schmidt book but this sounds like one I’d like. At first I didn’t understand why it’s considered YA but the topics sound pretty intense.
What?! I can’t believe you haven’t read him. So many good books.
I haven’t heard of this author but it sounds like I should check him out. The topics are pretty heavy, I’d have thought young adult, but it depends how it is done, I suppose. I am curious with how Joseph’s back story is dealt with, after all, it must be pretty troubled. Thanks for the recommendation!
Wow! You’ve missed out on his other books. THE WEDNESDAY WARS is pretty famous. He’s a Newbery award author too.
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I think it is brilliant. So glad you liked it as well. Thanks for your post.
Cool!
I don’t remember hearing about this one before. Sounds very interesting. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your review.
I missed it too!
Wow. AN 8th grader with a 3 month old daughter? That hardly sounds like a MG book. But Gary Schmidt is masterful so this must be a compelling read.
It’s classified as YA, but since the main character is in 6th grade, I’d call in MG.