The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Praise

Praise for The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez:

“There is so much to be said of a book highlighting the curiosity of a child who has been cartoned and categorized as limited. I could call the book brave, or loving, or fair, or any other adjective typically used to applaud a story shining light on neurodivergence. But to me, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez isn’t just about a neurodivergent (and adorable) kid. To me, this story is about a boy who is certain of his own magic in the midst of the doubtful adults around him. A kid who knows not even the sky, but the stars are the limit. Which makes Paulino’s debut…extraordinary.” —Jason Reynolds, author of National Book Award finalist Ghost and Newbery Honor Book Long Way Down

“Funny, warm, and written in magnetic verse that just flows off the page, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez was unputdownable. Alex’s determination had me rooting for him from start to finish, and the teacher in me leapt for joy to see all the characters get to experience the ending they deserved. Jasminne Paulino is now an auto-buy author for me.” —Andrea Beatriz Arango, author of Newbery Honor Book Iveliz Explains It All and the Pura Belpré Honor Book Something Like Home

“This is a book kids need about shattering the limits others put on you. Saying out loud what you think, feel, and need. Standing up for and believing in yourself—and others. And, just like the first astronauts on the moon, taking that one small step that changes everything.” —Lisa Fipps, author of Printz Honor Book Starfish

“A story of finding your strength and believing in yourself. Young readers will dream big with Alex and shoot for the stars.” —Adrianna Cuevas, author of Pura Belpre Honor book The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and Edgar Award winner The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto

“Jasminne Paulino is a master of language and languages. She is a poet of English, of Spanish, of anxiety, and above all of humanity. She has clearly walked a mile in every pair of shoes there is. Let her take you, untethered, into Alex’s orbit and you will see triumph.” —Chris Lynch, author of National Book Award finalist Inexcusable and Walkin’ The Dog

“Jasminne Paulino’s The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is a fast-paced, heart-warming novel in verse that captures the essence of what it means to think and be “different.” Using vibrant imagery and lyrical language in both English and Spanish, Paulino lets us into Alex’s vibrant and dynamic mind in a way I’ve rarely seen done on the page before. From the first page to the last, I was captivated by Alex’s journey and was rooting for him and his dreams all along the way. This book is an excellent read for any young person who has ever struggled to find the words and the strength to speak and stand up for themselves.” —Jasminne Mendez, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book Aniana del Mar Jumps In

“A powerful novel-in-verse about setting your own orbit, Paulino’s moving debut shows with extraordinary talent the galaxies that live inside every young person. The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez combines pitch-perfect poetry, a moving cast of characters, and the biggest heart, and belongs in the hands and hearts of every middle grade reader.” —Kate Fussner, author of The Song of Us and 13 Ways to Say Goodbye