Optimized Title: Jupiter Rising for Stargazers

When Jack's P.E. coach pairs him up with Jay Perkins for the cross-country team, neither of them is pleased with the arrangement. Jack is grieving the loss of his foster brother, Joseph, and is adjusting to his role as the big brother to Jupiter, Joseph's orphaned daughter. The prospect of dealing with Jay Perkins, who had once joined his friends in jumping Joseph in the locker room, is the last thing Jack wants to do.

However, Jack soon realizes that Jay is also grieving the loss of his cousin Maddie, Jupiter's mother. As Jack's relationships with both Jay and Jupiter deepen, and his running performance improves, he begins to feel more like his old self again, a feeling he had lost since Joseph's passing.

Just as Jack is finding his stride, a unexpected event occurs. Maddie's parents, who have previously shown no interest in their granddaughter, decide to claim Jupiter as their own, effectively blocking Jack's family from adopting her.

Suddenly, Jack's past and present collide, threatening to undermine both his newfound confidence and his budding friendships. This poignant and powerful companion to Orbiting Jupiter showcases Gary D. Schmidt at his best.

Schmidt is the acclaimed author of numerous works for young readers, including the Printz Honor and Newbery Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, the National Book Award finalist Okay for Now, and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars.

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