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Jupiter Rising
When Jack's P.E. coach pairs him up with Jay Perkins for the cross-country team, neither of them is happy about it. Jack is grieving the loss of Joseph, his foster brother, and adjusting to his role as big brother to Jupiter, Joseph’s orphaned daughter. Dealing with Jay Perkins—who'd once ganged up with his buddies to jump Joseph in the locker room—is the last thing he wants to do.
But then Jack realizes that Jay is grieving too—the loss of his cousin Maddie, Jupiter’s mom.
As Jack's relationships with both Jay and Jupiter grow and his running improves, he starts to feel more like himself than he has since Joseph died. He's finding his stride . . . until Maddie’s parents, who have never shown interest in their granddaughter before, decide to claim Jupiter as their own, blocking Jack’s family from adopting her.
And suddenly Jack’s past and present smash together, threatening to dissolve both his newfound confidence and his friendships.
This poignant, powerful companion to Orbiting Jupiter is Gary D. Schmidt at his best. He is the author of the Printz Honor and Newbery Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; Okay for Now, a National Book Award finalist; and The Wednesday Wars, a Newbery Honor Book, among many acclaimed novels for young readers.
But then Jack realizes that Jay is grieving too—the loss of his cousin Maddie, Jupiter’s mom.
As Jack's relationships with both Jay and Jupiter grow and his running improves, he starts to feel more like himself than he has since Joseph died. He's finding his stride . . . until Maddie’s parents, who have never shown interest in their granddaughter before, decide to claim Jupiter as their own, blocking Jack’s family from adopting her.
And suddenly Jack’s past and present smash together, threatening to dissolve both his newfound confidence and his friendships.
This poignant, powerful companion to Orbiting Jupiter is Gary D. Schmidt at his best. He is the author of the Printz Honor and Newbery Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; Okay for Now, a National Book Award finalist; and The Wednesday Wars, a Newbery Honor Book, among many acclaimed novels for young readers.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
66 people are currently reading
8014 people want to read
About the author
Gary D. Schmidt
75 books2,174 followersGary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. He lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan,with his wife and six children, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, feeds the wild cats that drop by and wishes that sometimes the sea breeze came that far inland. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
February 2, 2025
Will now start smiling and sobbing every time I see a Disney World sweater or hear the word goonie-pie.
September 7, 2024
I can’t not give Gary Schmidt five stars, however, I was moments from breaking up with him forever. He about did me in when he killed off Holling Hood Hood a few years ago. Coming up on the end of this book, I felt one last crushing blow coming just like in the first of this series, ORBITING JUPITER. There was certainly a lot of tragedy in this book but it softened in the final moments. I know many do not like tidy ending and will fault this book for that, but boy did I need it. For those who adore Schmidt’s writing, for those who adored Joseph in the first book, for those who enjoy emotional attachments to fictional people, this book delivers. Also, Coach Switeck!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“I promised Joseph that I would always know where she was.
And because you can’t keep losing what you love most in all the world.
You just can’t.
You just freaking can’t.”
This book should have never been written. 🙅🏻♀️
There was no need for a follow-up, there was no need to tug at my heartstrings and have my heart ache. 🥺 It was not necessary to play with my emotions with every deliberate choice of plot that was as inconsiderate and unfairly unjust and painful - emotionally manipulative - damning and frustrating at how a short and fast-paced novel can have me tearing up at the consequences of the cards that were not in Jack's hands. 😢
“Jackie crying?” said Jupiter.
“Just because of the cold,” I said.
“Jackie, don’t cry,” she said.”
I guess it was too much to hope that there would be no consequences to Jack's family fostering Jupiter when her own grandparents chose to ignore her upon her first existence. Having lost their daughter, I understand why they needed time to heal. But, what pained me was to see Mr. Joyce's opinion on Joseph never changed or got closure; Mrs.Joyce had her moment, but that remained untouched, due to the inclusion of a plot twist that was both alarming and shocking. No apology addressed, hey, I don't care if it's a short book - make it happen!!! 😠 ’So if you can’t get this part, there’s nothing I can do about it.’ Fair enough, but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna express myself. Whatever resolution happened to pass between them was not as rewarding as I would have expected, due to the circumstances. It leaves the hint of doubt, despite how things ended in any one's favor.
It's what I call circumstantial writing to sway the narrative in a direction that makes you wonder if such an occurrence had not taken place - what then? 😟 Who then would have been on Jack's side? Who was really seeing it from his eyes and what he had to lose for taking away someone so precious - a remnant of a memory that meant so much to him. Of a brother that changed his life and brought something even more precious into his. 😔
And yet, I can't bring myself to rate it any lower, despite how the writing was odd in the sense that everything was being relayed in long-winded sentences, because of the emotional turmoil my heart was in throughout. 🥺 It was powerful - and it hit - uff, it hit hard. 45 minutes of pure torture and agony - tears of rage and sadness, wanting to reach in hug Jack - can't blame Jupiter for being so adorable and precious - she's only 3! 😭😭
“Joseph is my brother, and that makes Jupiter my niece, and she’s going to grow up here, where she belongs, like Joseph should have.”
The writing is simple, but evocative in capturing Jack's complicated situation. The author portrayed each conversation with an intended purpose, that as much as you hated it - you know, there really was nothing wrong with it. To weigh in fairly and judge honestly - it's a decision that weighs heavily on Jack, because he is a foster child. 😥 And he has both perspectives; he has the memory of Joseph. ’My daughter,” he said again. His whole body trembled in the warmth of the miracle.’ It is that devotion to his brother, Jupiter's father that guides him so intensely. He made him a promise that he would always have Jupiter in his orbit - always know where she was; and he's not about to break that promise now... 💔💔
But, it's not about my fury - it's about the complexity of human relationships and how Jack slowly but surely takes the next steps towards a brighter future. Where all the adults seem to know better than him - know his potential and what he's capable of, how they recognize how much Joseph's bond meant to him - how special he was. It really grated on my nerves this time – no matter how their kindness was with good intent, I just wanted happiness for Jack. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Was that too much to hope for? ’Because sometimes things work out like they’re supposed to.’ When he wants to do is take care of his three-year-old-sister, because that's what his brother, Joseph would have wanted. When the whole world had turned their back on him and his daughter, Jack had been there for him - ’he had my back.’ 🤧
“Jupiter, Jupiter,” I said, “I’m right here. I’m right here. Look at me, okay? Just look at me. Keep looking right at my eyes. I’m right here. I’m always right here.”
Jupiter and Jack and Jay - their bond was so beautiful and adorable and sweet - I could cry. He was so patient and gentle with her - the soft kisses and how he held her - who would even think of keeping them apart, who would want to separate them? 🥹🥹 'And he’d always have her. Even if I wouldn’t.' I couldn't believe their stance... And yes, I know it's about showing how the human heart is capable of change; how when challenges arise, we allow our hearts to see it from a different perspective, in order to feel things differently. But, I did not approve of the way it was approached - I just couldn't. Why does one other have to hurt, to realize what could lose more? Why does a new grief have to replace an old one? 😣
Jay Perkins was a surprise, because fortunately I had forgotten entirely what was in the blurb, simply that I had to read this sequel. And the cross-country running was a nice touch to show how resilient Jack's determination was; that he did not know how to back down or slow down. He would find a way to beat the odds, even if it cost him everything. It was heartbreaking to learn about Jay's past - he had a good heart, and he was torn between two choices. Jack’s desperate pleas to him, knowing that it was futile - yeah, the waterworks were in full swing. 🫂 ’Perkins,” I said quietly. “Perkins, I need you to be on my side now.’ But again, my mind can’t ignore how the plot device forced the situation into these dilemmas – too contrived to be more compelling, regardless of how much of a predicament it was. Doesn't hurt that the sudden twist was just as startling, but .... It was a weak writing choice, I'm still standing by it, but .... yeah, I was not happy with that. 😮💨
Definitely went through the wringer with this one, not gonna lie. And, oh look. Turns out there's a potential for a sequel. I look forward to my heart breaking once again. 🫡
“I promised Joseph that I would always know where she was.
And because you can’t keep losing what you love most in all the world.
You just can’t.
You just freaking can’t.”
This book should have never been written. 🙅🏻♀️
There was no need for a follow-up, there was no need to tug at my heartstrings and have my heart ache. 🥺 It was not necessary to play with my emotions with every deliberate choice of plot that was as inconsiderate and unfairly unjust and painful - emotionally manipulative - damning and frustrating at how a short and fast-paced novel can have me tearing up at the consequences of the cards that were not in Jack's hands. 😢
“Jackie crying?” said Jupiter.
“Just because of the cold,” I said.
“Jackie, don’t cry,” she said.”
I guess it was too much to hope that there would be no consequences to Jack's family fostering Jupiter when her own grandparents chose to ignore her upon her first existence. Having lost their daughter, I understand why they needed time to heal. But, what pained me was to see Mr. Joyce's opinion on Joseph never changed or got closure; Mrs.Joyce had her moment, but that remained untouched, due to the inclusion of a plot twist that was both alarming and shocking. No apology addressed, hey, I don't care if it's a short book - make it happen!!! 😠 ’So if you can’t get this part, there’s nothing I can do about it.’ Fair enough, but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna express myself. Whatever resolution happened to pass between them was not as rewarding as I would have expected, due to the circumstances. It leaves the hint of doubt, despite how things ended in any one's favor.
It's what I call circumstantial writing to sway the narrative in a direction that makes you wonder if such an occurrence had not taken place - what then? 😟 Who then would have been on Jack's side? Who was really seeing it from his eyes and what he had to lose for taking away someone so precious - a remnant of a memory that meant so much to him. Of a brother that changed his life and brought something even more precious into his. 😔
And yet, I can't bring myself to rate it any lower, despite how the writing was odd in the sense that everything was being relayed in long-winded sentences, because of the emotional turmoil my heart was in throughout. 🥺 It was powerful - and it hit - uff, it hit hard. 45 minutes of pure torture and agony - tears of rage and sadness, wanting to reach in hug Jack - can't blame Jupiter for being so adorable and precious - she's only 3! 😭😭
“Joseph is my brother, and that makes Jupiter my niece, and she’s going to grow up here, where she belongs, like Joseph should have.”
The writing is simple, but evocative in capturing Jack's complicated situation. The author portrayed each conversation with an intended purpose, that as much as you hated it - you know, there really was nothing wrong with it. To weigh in fairly and judge honestly - it's a decision that weighs heavily on Jack, because he is a foster child. 😥 And he has both perspectives; he has the memory of Joseph. ’My daughter,” he said again. His whole body trembled in the warmth of the miracle.’ It is that devotion to his brother, Jupiter's father that guides him so intensely. He made him a promise that he would always have Jupiter in his orbit - always know where she was; and he's not about to break that promise now... 💔💔
But, it's not about my fury - it's about the complexity of human relationships and how Jack slowly but surely takes the next steps towards a brighter future. Where all the adults seem to know better than him - know his potential and what he's capable of, how they recognize how much Joseph's bond meant to him - how special he was. It really grated on my nerves this time – no matter how their kindness was with good intent, I just wanted happiness for Jack. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Was that too much to hope for? ’Because sometimes things work out like they’re supposed to.’ When he wants to do is take care of his three-year-old-sister, because that's what his brother, Joseph would have wanted. When the whole world had turned their back on him and his daughter, Jack had been there for him - ’he had my back.’ 🤧
“Jupiter, Jupiter,” I said, “I’m right here. I’m right here. Look at me, okay? Just look at me. Keep looking right at my eyes. I’m right here. I’m always right here.”
Jupiter and Jack and Jay - their bond was so beautiful and adorable and sweet - I could cry. He was so patient and gentle with her - the soft kisses and how he held her - who would even think of keeping them apart, who would want to separate them? 🥹🥹 'And he’d always have her. Even if I wouldn’t.' I couldn't believe their stance... And yes, I know it's about showing how the human heart is capable of change; how when challenges arise, we allow our hearts to see it from a different perspective, in order to feel things differently. But, I did not approve of the way it was approached - I just couldn't. Why does one other have to hurt, to realize what could lose more? Why does a new grief have to replace an old one? 😣
Jay Perkins was a surprise, because fortunately I had forgotten entirely what was in the blurb, simply that I had to read this sequel. And the cross-country running was a nice touch to show how resilient Jack's determination was; that he did not know how to back down or slow down. He would find a way to beat the odds, even if it cost him everything. It was heartbreaking to learn about Jay's past - he had a good heart, and he was torn between two choices. Jack’s desperate pleas to him, knowing that it was futile - yeah, the waterworks were in full swing. 🫂 ’Perkins,” I said quietly. “Perkins, I need you to be on my side now.’ But again, my mind can’t ignore how the plot device forced the situation into these dilemmas – too contrived to be more compelling, regardless of how much of a predicament it was. Doesn't hurt that the sudden twist was just as startling, but .... It was a weak writing choice, I'm still standing by it, but .... yeah, I was not happy with that. 😮💨
Definitely went through the wringer with this one, not gonna lie. And, oh look. Turns out there's a potential for a sequel. I look forward to my heart breaking once again. 🫡
May 11, 2025
This is the first time I can remember that I started crying on the first page of a book. Gary D. Schmidt sure does know how to activate my tear ducts. The friendship that grew between Jack and Jay Perkins was the highlight of the book for me. Schmidt writes friendship so beautifully.
Re-read (listened to audiobook): It's official: I completely love this book and I really dislike Christopher Gebauer's narration. Jack, Jay, Jupiter, and Gary D. Schmidt deserve better.
Re-read (for Rabid Readers): I really love how Schmidt can take characters that you loathe, characters that seem to have no redeeming qualities, and make you care about them. I don't know of any author who does that better than Gary D. Schmidt. I always had a soft spot for Coach Swietek, through every reading of Orbiting Jupiter and this book (and Okay For Now), but this time around, he really got to me. I love him.
Re-read (listened to audiobook): It's official: I completely love this book and I really dislike Christopher Gebauer's narration. Jack, Jay, Jupiter, and Gary D. Schmidt deserve better.
Re-read (for Rabid Readers): I really love how Schmidt can take characters that you loathe, characters that seem to have no redeeming qualities, and make you care about them. I don't know of any author who does that better than Gary D. Schmidt. I always had a soft spot for Coach Swietek, through every reading of Orbiting Jupiter and this book (and Okay For Now), but this time around, he really got to me. I love him.
August 31, 2024
Gary Schmidt has done it again. I laughed. I cried. I felt like a better person for having read this story. Truly excellent.
August 27, 2024
*3.5
This wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t compare to the first one. I love Orbiting Jupiter so much and while I loved reading about the characters again, the plot just didn’t emotionally hit the same as the first book did. Still very glad I read this one though!
This wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t compare to the first one. I love Orbiting Jupiter so much and while I loved reading about the characters again, the plot just didn’t emotionally hit the same as the first book did. Still very glad I read this one though!
September 8, 2024
Stunning. Don’t quite have the words for how much I loved this book. Gary Schmidt is such a powerful and beautiful writer. So much heart.
September 30, 2024
I binged this book in probably a hour and half. I cried three times and can’t even put into words how much this book made me feel all the feels. I love Jack’s relationship with Coach Swieteck. Ahhhh Jupiter!! And Jay…the back story…..amazing!!!! All of Gary Schmidt’s books have an all-hope-is-lost-forever-and-is-buried-in-the-ground-and-you-will-be-bawling-your-eyes-out-because-what-else-can-you-do? And then somehow, there’s a small light at the end of the tunnel and then it gets bigger and bigger and bigger until you realize that there was always a light, you were just too busy crying your eyes out to realize it. Incredible!!!
October 26, 2024
Like I said in my review of The Labors of Hercules Beal, Schmidt has a formula and we all forgive him for it because it works. This book is maybe a little too short and a little too perfect (although it’s hard to claim that because he never spares his characters and boy, it can be brutal) but still moving and very worth the read. Joseph and Maddie would be happy.
December 27, 2024
This book hurt so much to read, but it was also breathtakingly beautiful. It showed the world as the horrible, broken thing that at is, but it also showed that light can and will find its way through the cracks.
CW for language all throughout the book, though given the circumstances these characters went through, it never felt appalling.
CW for language all throughout the book, though given the circumstances these characters went through, it never felt appalling.
October 3, 2024
no words, just tears
September 5, 2024
I NEED this book like I need air.
[EDIT]
I was STRESSED for like 99% of this book, but Jackie and Jupiter finally got the ending they deserved :) Also, I never thought I would care about Jay Perkins, but he really stole my heart
[EDIT]
I was STRESSED for like 99% of this book, but Jackie and Jupiter finally got the ending they deserved :) Also, I never thought I would care about Jay Perkins, but he really stole my heart
March 8, 2025
It pains me a little to only give this 3 stars, because I usually LOVE anything by Schmidt, but this book was right down the middle for me. I was happy to read more about Jack and Juniper, but things felt a little contrived. I would still recommend it if you’ve read Orbiting Jupiter, but there are so many others by Schmidt that I would recommend more highly.
July 17, 2025
I’ve argued for a while that Schmidt’s one-two-three punch of Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now, and Just Like That is unbeatable. But if he writes a third story for this Jupiter collection (my words), it could make for some very tight competition.
You should be reading Gary D. Scmidt. If you need evidence, my other reviews are packed. I needed to just listen and soak up the story this time.
You should be reading Gary D. Scmidt. If you need evidence, my other reviews are packed. I needed to just listen and soak up the story this time.
February 17, 2025
Gary D. Schmidt never disappoints.
Just binge read this in two hours and cried so much.
Just binge read this in two hours and cried so much.
December 7, 2024
A quick read that continued Jupiter's story. Gary Schmidt still writes lots of hard for his characters, but also lots of hope. Family and friendship are strong themes in this book.
February 5, 2024
The YA sequel to the critically acclaimed Orbiting Jupiter.
🐎
Jack gets paired up with his enemy, Jay Perkins, to help him get better at running. Neither boy wants to be around the other after their tussle at school, but both boys are dealing with some pretty heavy issues. While they run, they’re free from family problems, school and the future. But when Jack’s foster sister, Jupiter’s, grandparents show up to fight for custody for her, it’s all Jack can do to hold it together. Before he died, he made Jupiter’s dad, his brother, a promise that he would always know where Jupiter was. He intends to keep that promise.
👧🏼
If you’ve read Orbiting Jupiter, then you know Joseph and Maddie. Their daughter, Jupiter, is just as adorable at three as you would expect. This was such a poignant follow up to one of my favorite young adult books ever. I bawled with that one and I bawled with this one. Jack is going to be fantastic in his future career. I can’t wait for it to release August 27.
CW: death (recounted), grief, death of a child (recounted), blood, hospitalization, car accident, hit and run, broken bones, custody battle, animal death
4.5⭐️
🐎
Jack gets paired up with his enemy, Jay Perkins, to help him get better at running. Neither boy wants to be around the other after their tussle at school, but both boys are dealing with some pretty heavy issues. While they run, they’re free from family problems, school and the future. But when Jack’s foster sister, Jupiter’s, grandparents show up to fight for custody for her, it’s all Jack can do to hold it together. Before he died, he made Jupiter’s dad, his brother, a promise that he would always know where Jupiter was. He intends to keep that promise.
👧🏼
If you’ve read Orbiting Jupiter, then you know Joseph and Maddie. Their daughter, Jupiter, is just as adorable at three as you would expect. This was such a poignant follow up to one of my favorite young adult books ever. I bawled with that one and I bawled with this one. Jack is going to be fantastic in his future career. I can’t wait for it to release August 27.
CW: death (recounted), grief, death of a child (recounted), blood, hospitalization, car accident, hit and run, broken bones, custody battle, animal death
4.5⭐️
Read
April 23, 2025Still not my favorite story of Gary Schmidt’s, but it redeemed Orbiting Jupiter.
Want to read
November 10, 2024I’ve just read a whole 200 page book (the first one in this series) in which Jupiter’s grandparents are terribly neglectful to their daughter, get their granddaughter’s father locked up, refuses to let him see his daughter and pays his father to let them put their granddaughter up for adoption. There is not a single redeeming quality they could possibly have to counteract any of that. And the audacity to apparently turn around and want to see their granddaughter now? What fresh nonsense is that!
March 9, 2024
Jupiter Rising gutted me, just like Orbiting Jupiter did. Such a heartbreaking, emotional story! Jack is now in 8th grade, Coach has set him running with Jay, Madeline’s cousin, and Jupiter’s maternal grandparents want custody. My students will love this sequel! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
September 6, 2024
This is a great outline for a Gary D. Schmidt book. But it's really just that. Everything needs a lot more fleshing out. The ending, in particular, wraps up very quickly and very neatly.
You're wondering if this would get three stars if it weren't by Schmidt. On the contrary! It's a one-star novel by anyone else, but there's enough Schmidt in here to raise the rating slightly.
You're wondering if this would get three stars if it weren't by Schmidt. On the contrary! It's a one-star novel by anyone else, but there's enough Schmidt in here to raise the rating slightly.
November 3, 2024
Orbiting Jupiter is still my fave. Realistic YA, short tear jerker with romance and complicated parental relationships. Jupiter Rising is a sweet sequel. Seems like a setup for more, if author chooses. Felt more middle grade than the first.
August 30, 2024
Two for two in Jupiter books making me cry.
September 19, 2024
i was actually uncontrollably sobbing through this whole book it was AMAZING. a great sequel and very well written
Read
July 13, 2025this just reminded me of things i think i’d successfully gaslighted myself into forgetting from the first book.
June 8, 2025
I read this in one sitting (with a short break to keep from ignoring my family LOL). What an incredible book!!
Jackie Goonie Pie is such an amazing big brother to Jupiter, a good friend to those around him, an excellent son, and he's still got Joseph's back! Schmidt did an amazing job writing his grief so that it becomes the reader's grief.
Jay....what a surprising turn of events! There is almost always more to the story than what meets the eye, and Jay's story was deep, rich, and heartbreaking.
The Strouds....I hated them for most of the book. *Most* of it.
Jack's parents are stable, loving, and unwavering.
Jupiter was everything I imagined she'd be and more.
All the side characters from the school were chef's kiss.
READ THIS BOOK! But read Orbiting Jupiter first.
Jackie Goonie Pie is such an amazing big brother to Jupiter, a good friend to those around him, an excellent son, and he's still got Joseph's back! Schmidt did an amazing job writing his grief so that it becomes the reader's grief.
Jay....what a surprising turn of events! There is almost always more to the story than what meets the eye, and Jay's story was deep, rich, and heartbreaking.
The Strouds....I hated them for most of the book. *Most* of it.
Jack's parents are stable, loving, and unwavering.
Jupiter was everything I imagined she'd be and more.
All the side characters from the school were chef's kiss.
READ THIS BOOK! But read Orbiting Jupiter first.
November 26, 2024
Oh I am so glad I waited to read orbiting Jupiter so Anne and I could read these back to back! Oh Gary Schmidt so much hard happens but so many beautiful things as well. I love how he creates these characters that are so complex and you initially don’t like them but then there is a twist and more to the story because that is life. Oh loved Jupiter and Jack’s relationship… then the running. Oh and to have coach Swieteck such a part of these stories makes my heart so happy.
Can some one please make a flow chart of how they are all connected!
Can some one please make a flow chart of how they are all connected!
October 3, 2024
Read this book right after I finished Orbiting Jupiter. The first ever sequel for Gary Schmidt. I love his writing, I love his character, and I love how he creates hope out of hard situations.
The themes of family, protection, running and what matters most.
Oh of course for the last hour Gary made me cry….
Thanks Gary for a good cry and some hope at the end
The themes of family, protection, running and what matters most.
Oh of course for the last hour Gary made me cry….
Thanks Gary for a good cry and some hope at the end
June 5, 2025
Another excellent book by Gary Schmidt. I'm not sure why I like some of these MG/YA books so much, but it is certainly excellent writing, and it is such pleasant change. Just like Barney Fife, in Jack, we can all see small parts of ourselves, and our memories of ourselves at this age. "Okay for Now" is probably Schmidt's best work, but this one is so good too!
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