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“Written in spare, authentic verse interspersed with naturally flowing Spanish that reflects Alex’s roots, Paulino’s debut captures one student’s aspirations and climb to success as he becomes the hero of his own story. Readers will identify with Alex and his friends’ desire to be seen, heard, and challenged for who they are rather than trapped by others’ stereotype-informed views of their diagnoses. Targeted to middle-schoolers, this book will appeal beyond the age range, touching hearts and consciences. A must-read.”

– Booklist, Starred Review

“More than just a story about breaking barriers, this novel is a celebration of perseverance, intelligence in all its forms, and the importance of being seen for who one truly is. This luminous, heartfelt debut reminds readers the sky is never the limit and will inspire any middle school student who reads it.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Written by Jasminne Paulino
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Seventh grader Alex’s favorite things to do are watching YouTube videos of rocket launches with his Papi and spending hours on the NASA website reading about astronauts and planets. He even dreams of going to space one day himself, and knows he’ll have to study hard in order to get there.

But Alex is in his grade’s SC (self-contained) classroom, which means doing the same dull worksheets every day and reading books his sister read back in the third grade. Worst of all, being in SC means nobody thinks he’s ready to join Ms. Rosef’s mainstream science class—the class Alex knows will be the first step on his path to NASA.

When his teacher says “not yet” for the millionth time, Alex decides it’s time to make a change. Now he’s ready to try everything he can to get the people in his life—his teachers, his parents, and the kids at school—to understand that he, Alex Ramirez, is capable of the extraordinary.

Primary ISBN: 9780593859315
Publication Date: June 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 10 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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