Orbiting Jupiter

About this book

Jack's parents foster difficult children. When Joseph arrives, he seems like any other eighth grader. But he's been in Stone Mountain Juvenile Detention and he's also a father.

Joseph slowly adapts to the family's farm routines. He doesn't look at you when he talks, he hates being touched - but Jack knows he's all right because the cows like him.

Finally, one cold, starlit night, Joseph shares his troubled story: of the girl he loved, and their child, Jupiter. As trouble at school escalates, Jack defends him - but Joseph can't flee his past.

The poetic, uncluttered prose of this short beautiful novel resonates for a long time. Joseph's story ends heart-breakingly but he experiences love and a glimpse of redemption with Jack's family, who are equally changed by him.