The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez
books by Jasminne Paulino
A powerful debut novel in verse about a neurodivergent seventh grader who dreams of traveling to the stars one day.Seventh-grade 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. The author’s use of language contributes significantly to the book’s appeal. Sentences flow smoothly, making the text easy to read while still conveying nuance. This stylistic clarity supports immersion, allowing readers to focus on the story rather than struggle with comprehension. The book invites readers to slow down and fully engage with the narrative as it unfolds. Rather than rushing through major plot points, the author allows moments to breathe, giving emotional weight to both action and reflection. This deliberate pacing helps readers absorb the underlying themes more naturally. Many find that this approach enhances immersion, making the reading experience feel richer and more rewarding over time. This book effectively balances entertainment with substance, offering a story that is enjoyable without sacrificing depth. The narrative remains engaging while still addressing meaningful ideas that resonate beyond the fictional setting. Such balance makes it a strong choice for readers seeking both enjoyment and insight.