Planet Jupiter
New True Books: Space (Paperback) Series
on Goodreads (77)
What’s inside...
Jupiter is used to being a planet of one, and she likes it that way. But then a cousin, who Jupiter never even knew existed, comes from Ethiopia to stay for the summer, and Jupiter is put in charge of taking care of her. A lyrical and memorable story of family, friendship, and community—perfect for fans of Katherine Hannigan’s Ida B and Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Counting by 7s. Jupiter and her family have spent their lives on the road, moving from town to town in a trusty old van and earning their living by playing music for tourists. But when their van breaks down, Jupiter’s mother rents an actual house in Portland for the summer so Jupiter’s annoying cousin Edom, recently adopted from Ethiopia, can stay with them. Luckily, Edom doesn’t want to be in Portland any more than Jupiter wants her there, and the two hatch a Grand Plan to send Edom back to her mother. In the process, Jupiter learns that community and family aren’t always what you expect them to be. A sweet, genuine story with themes of community, immigration, finances, family, and taking care of the environment that will appeal to fans of Cynthia Lord and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like if you lived on a houseboat like Jupiter and her family?
Jupiter makes new friends in the story. Can you remember a time when you met a new friend? How did you feel?
How did Jupiter show bravery in the book? Can you think of a time when you did something brave?
What would you do if you were in Jupiter's situation and had to adapt to a new environment?
How did the characters in the book help each other? Why is it important to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of Jupiter, fostering a deeper connection to the story. Use the book’s setting and the characters' adventures as a springboard for creative thinking and discussion. Highlight Jupiter’s positive traits, such as bravery and adaptability, to instill similar values in your child. Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection, making the story more engaging and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'Planet Jupiter', the protagonist, Jupiter, demonstrates resilience by adapting to new environments and challenges as her family moves frequently.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively and develop coping strategies during transitions such as moving to a new school or city.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Jupiter uses her creativity to make new friends and solve problems throughout the book. Her resourcefulness in difficult situations is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination and ingenuity in problem-solving, whether it's crafting a new game or navigating social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The story portrays Jupiter's journey in understanding people from different backgrounds, especially when she interacts with her new neighbors.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of empathy and considering others' feelings and viewpoints, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The significance of family and community support
Explanation: Throughout 'Planet Jupiter', the support Jupiter receives from her family and the connections she makes in her community play a critical role in her development and happiness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can reinforce the value of nurturing relationships with family members and peers, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for the child.