Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt
Published by Clarion Books on 8/27/24
ISBN: 0358659647
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

In this sequel to Orbiting Jupiter, Jack is faced with the very real prospect that he will need to say goodbye to his foster sister, Jupiter, when out of the blue her maternal grandparents fight to adopt her.  Jupiter is the daughter of Joseph, Jack’s late foster brother, who is buried on the family farm where Jack is growing up with his adoptive parents.  Jack and his parents promised Joseph they would always know where Jupiter is and are devastated by the thought she will grow up without them.  Meanwhile, the track coach pairs Jack with his former enemy, Jay, who helps him train to eventually make varsity.  As they run through their rural Maine town, a friendship develops between the two.  Unbeknownst to them, this friendship will be life changing for them and for Jupiter.  This book would be great for a YA or high school collection, especially if libraries already have Orbiting Jupiter.  This story is one of family, perseverance, and receiving acts of kindness when life is difficult.  The content, not the reading level, makes this book appropriate for young adult collections.  The language is simple and somewhat sparse and the length of the novel is short, making it ideal for readers who want a short but mature book.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library