Orbiting Jupiter

by Gary D. Schmidt

they didn’t hear what he said in his sleep at night, how he’d holler, “Let go, you . . .” and then words I didn’t even know. Or how he’d start to cry and then he’d only say a name, and he’d say it like it was someone he’d do anything, anything to find.

Ugh my heart can’t take this. It’s so sad that he is a child and hasn’t even been able to be a normal one. Then on top of that he knows he has a daughter and can’t do anything to see her or be there for his baby mom no matter how much he wants to be in their lives

They’re trying to make a difference in the world, bringing kids like Joseph Brook into a normal family. But kids like Joseph Brook aren’t always normal, see? They act the way they do because their brains work differently.

This makes me sick. Absolutely disgustedly sick. How can some adults just give up on children who just need someone to be there and nudge them in the right direction. It is not easy because these kids have not had an easy life. Adults with this type of mindset are only adding to the problem

“Jupiter,” Joseph said. I guess I looked sort of surprised. “It was our favorite planet,”

This boy deserves to be in his daughters life. So many older fathers of unexpected pregnancies would do anything to run from the responsibility. The fact that this boy wants to do so much for but can’t is so backwards

“Over there,” said Joseph. He was pointing up above the mountains. “How do you know?” said my father. “I always know where Jupiter is,”

I’m crying. I’m done. My heart can’t handle this book 💔

“Sorry, Jackie,”

The nickname.. he cares ♥️

Joseph dropped his pack and immediately his back was against the wall and his hands up. The way he was breathing . . . “Don’t touch him,” I whispered. “Please, please don’t touch him.”

Even though jack is young he reads the situations even if he doesn’t fully understand him. The world could use some more of this

He couldn’t even imagine hitting Madeleine with a snowball. Because he loved her. He loved her.

No matter what type of love it is clear that they loved each other in some way

He was going to be a father, he said. He was only thirteen, she said

Uh miss mam that doesn’t change the fact that he has a daughter and she deserves to have a father in her life

That was how Joseph heard for the first time that Madeleine, whom he loved, was gone.

Obed worried about that. This Poot boy should at least be able to see his child.

“I’m Jupiter’s father,” said Joseph. “I will always be Jupiter’s father.”

“Suppose you’re wrong?” I said. “Suppose Jupiter wants to find Joseph?”

This is so terrible they should find a way for him to at least have contact with her. He wants so badly to be in her life and he can’t

“So you want to tell me what a sixth grader was doing in the eighth-grade side of the locker room, in an eighth-grade fight?” he said. “Winning,” I said.

Omg this had me ROLLING 😂😂😂

“Jupiter would love this,” he said.

My heart and prayers go out to all the dads who long time be with their children but can’t for one reason or another. May you reunite in paradise As for those who failed to earn the title may you live with the terrible guilt of your mistakes

Christmas is the season for miracles, you know. Sometimes they come big and loud, I guess—but I’ve never seen one of those. I think probably most miracles are a lot smaller, and sort of still, and so quiet, you could miss them. I didn’t miss this one.

Me neither. Omg i can’t believe they are actually going to help him. I swear if this boy doesn’t see his daughter then…Well I’m not sure, so he better see her

was the first time Joseph had played. And laughed. It was worth an annoyed cow.

Yes indeed It was very much worth it

“It takes a lawyer to see my own son,” said Mr. Brook. “But I finally got one. A good one.”

Then maybe that means you don’t deserve to see your son. You had your chance and literally abused it. Honestly it’s sad but true that Joseph is a literal teenager but could be a better father

My parents would help Joseph see Jupiter. And someday, Joseph would go to college.

Yes they will The world needs more people like this

she doesn’t like pushy policemen very much, or pushy vice principals, and probably Mr. Canton was in more danger of a flattened face than he understood.

As she should

“And tell Jupiter about Joseph,” I said. “Tell her he tried to find her.” “I’ll tell her.” “He tried really hard. Okay?” “Okay.” “And he loves her. He’ll always love her, even if she doesn’t know him.”

… I know she’s right but I still want so badly for there to be a way he can be in her life

the librarian kept her promise: she wrote to Joseph every week.

Yes thank the lord. This is good. As good as it realistically can be I guess.

By the time Mr. Canton got out of his car and ran to the bridge, he couldn’t see a thing in the black water. Neither could the police later. No one could see a thing.

Nonononononono I swear it can’t end like this no please he suffered too much to die like this. Not like this

The funeral service for Joseph was three days later.

No. All he ever wanted was a safe life with his daughter away from his father. He didn’t deserve this

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

And that’s when I started crying. Crying like a kindergarten kid in front of everyone. Crying because Joseph wasn’t just my friend. I had his back. And he had mine. That’s what greater love is.

Me too. Me too kid

Jupiter stared at my parents—her parents too, now.

He was so close. They were all so close to being whole

“Jackie,” said Jupiter. “That’s right,” I said. “Jackie.”

I’m bawling I literally cant

“Jupiter,” I whispered back. “Jupiter. I promise I’ll always know where you are.”