Jupiter Rising

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions about restorative justice, the definition of family, or the weight of adult responsibilities. It is a profound choice for families navigating foster care or for parents who want to foster deep empathy in a child who may be quick to judge others based on their past mistakes. The story follows Jack, a young boy whose family welcomes Joseph, a fourteen-year-old father who has just been released from a juvenile detention center. Through Joseph's journey to find his daughter, the book explores themes of unconditional love, the systemic failures of the foster care and legal systems, and the quiet power of a supportive home. While the emotional weight is significant, it serves as a beautiful testament to the idea that everyone deserves a second chance and a place to belong. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students due to its heavy themes of loss and teenage parenthood.