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A review by endemictoearth
Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Hmmm, this one is a hard one to categorize and rate. I think it is a hi-lo title, which accounts for the simplicity of the story and the writing, but it was strange because the ages would typically make this a middle grade title, but it is in the teen section because of the young pregnancy (and possibly the ending, as well).
I didn't feel as manipulated by the ending as with some stories, but it did seem needlessly tragic. I cried a bit; I'm not made of stone, but . . . I don't know. I think I would have liked some more backstory for Joseph and Maddie. We wouldn't have had to have details, just maybe the really didn't understand the consequences. In some ways, I feel like this almost romanticized teen pregnancy, which feels wrong.
I am somewhat interested in reading the follow up, because I feel like it can't be as tragic as this one, and I did really like the POV character and his family.
I didn't feel as manipulated by the ending as with some stories, but it did seem needlessly tragic. I cried a bit; I'm not made of stone, but . . . I don't know. I think I would have liked some more backstory for Joseph and Maddie. We wouldn't have had to have details, just maybe the really didn't understand the consequences. In some ways, I feel like this almost romanticized teen pregnancy, which feels wrong.
I am somewhat interested in reading the follow up, because I feel like it can't be as tragic as this one, and I did really like the POV character and his family.