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The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez
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  • Published: 25 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593859339
  • Imprint: Putnam
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $21.00

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Formats & editions
Paperback
25 Aug 2026
Hardback
24 June 2025
EBook
3 June 2025
Audiobook
3 June 2025
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A powerful debut novel in verse about a neurodivergent seventh grader who dreams of traveling to the stars one day.

“Extraordinary.” —Jason Reynolds, author of National Book Award finalist Look Both Ways

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.
  • Published: 25 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593859339
  • Imprint: Putnam
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $21.00
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About the author

Jasminne Paulino

Jasminne Paulino is a Spanish teacher who has participated in workshops and mentorships with Highlights, Las Musas, and holds an MFA in writing for young people from Lesley University. The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is her debut.
JP

Praise for The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Praise for The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez:

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
A Lone Star Reading List Selection

* “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 ways that others—teachers and even his own mother—try to limit Alex will tug on readers’ heartstrings and have them cheering for him as he learns to advocate for himself . . . An uplifting debut about the importance of self-belief.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Alex’s relationship with his family as well as his Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage inform his perspective—Spanish dialogue appears throughout—while depictions of supportive adults impart an affirming undertone to this earnest debut about neurodivergent students and kids with learning differences seeking to advocate for their needs and wants.” —Publishers Weekly