Orbiting Jupiter- Dr Carter's choice from the "new bookshelf."

This is one book which I just have to tell you about. It is by American author Gary D Schmidt and it is a beautiful, quiet read which deals with huge issues. 

The story is narrated by Jack, and starts when fourteen year old Joseph his new foster brother, comes to live on their farm. Jack knows three things about Joseph before they meet:

1. He almost killed a teacher
2. He was incarcerated at a place called Stone Mountain
3. He has a daughter and her name is Jupiter.

Anyone touch Joseph and he is up against the wall with his hands in the air, breathing fast and hard. His smiles are few and far between. Yet Jack soon learns he can trust Joseph and at school "he has his back."  It is a book about relationships, about love and about trust. And I defy any of you not to be a little misty eyed before you finish it.