Schmidt, Gary D. Jupiter Rising. New York: Clarion Books, 2024.
Do we love people for who they are or for what they represent? Jack is mourning the death of his foster brother Joseph. He is also not getting along with his new running partner, Jay, assigned by the cross-country coach. At least Jupiter, Joseph’s young daughter, is still part of the family. But then Jupiter’s maternal grandparents decide they want custody of her. And Jack discovers that his running partner is also mourning a loss: Jupiter’s deceased mother was Jay’s cousin. Sometimes, problems are complex and solutions require a reorientated view of life. This elegantly written yet easy to read novel is highly recommended for readers 12 years old and up.Â