I didn’t think Gary D. Schmidt could top Orbiting Jupiter—but then came Jupiter Rising. Somehow, this sequel manages to be as poignant and possibly even more heartbreaking. How is that possible…
This book doesn’t just continue the story; it deepens it. The characters you already know and love? They’re more layered, more real than ever. And the side characters—wow. He takes people who felt like supporting roles before and gives them these rich, meaningful arcs that make the whole world feel bigger and more alive.
As someone who has lived over a decade as a foster mom and walked the path of adoption, I saw so many believable struggles in these pages—moments that felt like they were pulled straight out of my own life. The push and pull of trust, the ache of loss, the stubborn, relentless hope. The author gets it in a way that’s rare and precious.
Also, my sons run cross country, and I feel like the running sequences are so much more than a sports metaphor. It’s so visceral, the effort, the drama, the work, the perseverance.
I found myself hoping the whole time that my kids—every single one of them—will read these books someday. Not just because they’re beautifully written, but because they hold truths about love, family, and belonging.
If you thought Orbiting Jupiter was powerful, Jupiter Rising will undo you in the best possible way. Stop what you’re doing and read it.
