Schmidt, G. (2015). Orbiting Jupiter. NY; Clarion Books
Joseph comes to live with Jack's family and he seems to be hiding many secrets. Jack's simple life is changed with the addition of this strange boy with a strange past, but he immediately trusts Joseph and wants to help him anyway he can. This is an interesting story where the readers immediately ask themselves, what would I do in Jack's shoes or how would I treat Joseph. Fortunately for Joseph, Jack's parents and a few teachers at school see potential in him and encourage him to dream of greater things. Joseph has suffered and his only focus is finding his daughter, allowing him a life with hope and a piece of the love he lost. This tragic story leaves you saddened by the unfair reality Jack and his family are left with, while also reminding you that all is not lost as a new family has been created.
Evaluative Criteria - Characters
The reader sees everything through the eyes of Jack, including his perception of the events and his take on the characters in this story. His inability to adequately describe some moments, such as when Joseph walks out onto the frozen river or during the fight in the locker room, demonstrates a response appropriate to a 12 year old boy. Jack leads a simple life, until Joseph comes to live with his family. Jack is immediately open to Joseph and there is never a hint of distrust or resentment on Jack’s part. He is immediately likable for his kindness and empathy. Joseph is, in every way, more complicated. When he finally opens up, it is a relief to Jack, his parents, and the reader. The compassionate teachers, Jack’s gracious and patient parents, and the social worker are all willing to help Joseph but many times, he is his own worst enemy. The horrible assistant principal and Joseph’s abusive father offer a balance in personalities and remind the reader of how cruel the world can be.
Evaluative Criteria - Plot
Gary Schmidt tells a complicated and heart-breaking tale, yet the simple elements such as the milking of cows and walking to school offers a sense of calm to the complexity. Jack and Joseph’s relationship is difficult and they struggle to define it, but as the story builds there is a depth of understanding that neither expected. It is through this connection that the story is fully told. Joseph’s past is not as black and white as it might have seemed and he is a victim of many unfortunate events. His determination to stay focused on his daughter drives the plot and his father’s greed takes the story to it’s climax. Ultimately, it is a sad, beautifully told story of what might have been.
Book Trailer by author
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRCXc1QQv9M
No comments:
Post a Comment