The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

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.

Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Novel In Verse, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is a highly original debut “novel-in-verse” middle grade story. The narrative follows Alex Ramirez, a space-obsessed 7th grader who spends his days watching rocket launches with his Papi and exploring NASA’s website. Because of his unpredictability and struggles, Alex is placed in a self-contained (SC) classroom, where the repetitive worksheets and outdated reading materials make him feel stagnant and yearning for more. Determined to prove his capabilities, Alex sets out to convince his teachers, parents, and peers that he’s ready for the mainstream science class and, ultimately, his dream of reaching the stars!

The story is truly unique with its neurodivergency representation, especially being set in an elementary school and shining a light on how challenging and easily misunderstood such an individual can be from a young age. Alex’s journey emphasizes the need for parents to be fully attentive and engaged with their children’s needs and self-advocacy, especially in these more challenging situations. The importance of having inclusive classrooms that recognize and nurture diverse students is beautifully illustrated in this story.

The chapters are extremely short and have interesting titles that reflect Alex’s inner thoughts as he navigates challenges in his daily life. Paulino’s choice to present the story “in verse” gives the narrative a somewhat fragmented feel but, at the same time, accurately captures Alex’s wonderful spirit and high emotions, ultimately making his experiences more intimate and resonant. The author, being a middle school teacher herself with experience in education and workshops relevant to this story’s characters, creates a truly authentic portrayal of a neurodivergent student’s perspective.

There are some wonderful characters in this book, most of whom play a pivotal role in Alex’s journey. His classmates in the self-contained classroom all have their own struggles but are still supportive of Alex and urge him on to prove his capabilities. Alex has a very strong bond with his Papi and sister, and there are several heartfelt scenes that highlight his Papi’s supporting role in Alex’s development. Alex’s mother is also supportive but also cautious and pragmatic, causing her to sometimes butt heads with her husband. It all adds up to a family dynamic that feels extremely authentic, and it’s heartwarming to see the love they all share for each other.

Overall, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is an extremely unique novel-in-verse that readers of middle grade fiction and even literary fiction will appreciate and resonate with. The book’s powerful messages about resiliency, self-belief, and reaching for your dreams against the odds make this story compelling and inspirational. The book is already garnering attention and high praise for its heartfelt narrative, lyrical prose, and unique insights into the experiences of a neurodivergent individual. If all of this sounds intriguing, don’t hesitate to add this one to your immediate reading list! It’s one you won’t soon forget!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggle with novels-in-verse, I admit. I don’t love the format. But I really had a hard time with this one because while I love that we have a neurodiverse MC in a self-contained classroom, knowing the education system and being intimately familiar with special education terms/guidelines and an array of classifications, the setting didn’t seem appropriate for him, especially considering a diagnosis is never given. A self-contained classroom is not the least-restrictive environment for many kids and what Alex describes as the things that put him there do not fit what would constitute the need for that. There were too many unanswered questions for me about the school setting, especially when they take pains to mention “IEP” but nothing else. His classmates also don’t seem like they especially fit in a self-contained classroom either, which makes me wonder about sensitivity readers or any research done, since nothing was mentioned in the acknowledgments like other books have had.

[Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Jasper related a lot to this story, and it was really cute to hear him respond appropriately to parts. All these kids want is to be heard)

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first novel-in-verse! A very sweet story, I’m just not a huge fan of the format in general.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MG novel in verse about a boy following his dreams despite some not thinking he can.
🚀
Alex is a seventh grader who loves watching YouTube videos of rocket launches with his Papi and learning everything he can about space, astronauts and planets. He has a dream to go to space himself one day, but Alex is in a self-contained classroom doing the same dull worksheets everyday. No one thinks Alex can join Ms. Rosef’s mainstream science class, but he’s tired of hearing no so he takes his dreams and goals into his own hands.
👩‍🚀
A phenomenal debut! I’m so glad I was able to read an ARC of this book so that I can shout it to the rooftops when it releases June 3! I adored Alex! He’s such a relatable protagonist because he just wants people to listen to him and his dreams. The mix of Spanish throughout will be perfect for my student population and all the white space of the verse poetry will help with my reluctant readers, dyslexia and special education kids. The neurodiversity rep was such a great window for me to see into the mind and thoughts of a kid like Alex. I highly recommend this title for all students!

CW: bullying, injury

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this novel in verse, which made for a super quick audiobook. It is about a neurodivergent middle schooler who feels stuck in his self-contained classroom. He loves science, and longs to be out among his peers as they switch classes, and really wants to be able to attend science class. However, due to his angry outbursts, the adults are wary of allowing it. His struggle to make sense to his emotions, friendships, goals, and how to fit in ring so true to what I see in students every day. This one will resonate and I think serve as a good window for a lot of students as well, particularly in my building. Highly recommend for grades 5-8. #mglit #librarian #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girls and I listened to this one on our annual road trip to Marchapalooza! Alex’s POV of a student ready to branch outside of his self-contained classroom isn’t one I’ve come across before. Alex suddenly has to navigate the fallout from an old friendship, changing expectations in the classroom, and his parents’ preconceived notions on what his education & future will look like. The story was a window into Alex’s life and I found myself cheering for him as he learned to ask for what he wants and to stand up for himself.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added to NYT article: "Books for Kids Starting Middle School" updated 7/31/25. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/28/bo...

[Rachel Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet. Definitely on the younger side.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Ramirez has been in a classroom with just a few other students ever since 3rd grade when bullying by his classmates ended with him breaking his former BFF's bone. But he longs to be in the more advanced science with others his age. As he learns to advocate for himself and the others in his class he's brought face to face with his former bullies and must decide how to manage keeping the focus he needs for class, and when to ask for help. This was such a thought provoking read. I appreciated how Alex grew in his ability to communicate his needs, and his advocacy for his friends. And I also loved the way his family learned to support him and share their vulnerabilities too. So good!

[Samantha Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is a moving, beautifully written novel-in-verse that pulls you right into the emotional orbit of its protagonist, Alex. Jasminne Paulino does a remarkable job capturing the voice of a young Dominican-American boy trying to make sense of a world that often feels overwhelming, isolating, and hard to navigate. Alex is smart, sensitive, and introspective—his perspective is unique, and it shines through on every page.

The verse format brings an immediacy and emotional clarity to the story that I really appreciated. There’s something about poetry that lets you sit inside a character’s mind in a way that prose often can’t. It helped me connect deeply with Alex—his rhythms of thought, his way of noticing the world, and his quiet resilience.

That said, I did feel like this particular story might have been stronger told through a more traditional chapter format. Some plot points and relationships felt rushed or underdeveloped, which I think was a result of the constraints of the verse form rather than the storytelling itself. There were times I wanted just a bit more context or background to fully understand the dynamics between Alex and the people in his life. A prose format might’ve allowed for a richer exploration of those elements, especially when it came to family and school.

Still, I was completely pulled in by Alex’s inner world, and by how much of myself I saw in him. His internal dialogue, his challenges with social connection, and the way he processes emotion and sensory experience—it all hit surprisingly close to home. I've sometimes wondered whether I might be on the autism spectrum myself (I’m undiagnosed), and this book brought up a lot of thoughts and feelings I hadn’t expected to confront while reading. It was a little unsettling, but also affirming in a strange and meaningful way. I think books that can make you feel seen like that—especially without intending to—deserve attention.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply human story. It’s not a perfect book, and I do wish the narrative structure had allowed more room to breathe. But it gave me a lot to reflect on, both as a reader and as a person. I’m glad I picked it up.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life isn't easy for neurodivergent Alex. He started out the same as everyone else, but around third grade, his unusual behaviors--repeating things people say, loudly, needing to move, tapping, sometimes an inability to control himself when angry--landed him in special ed. He has good friends there, but what he really yearns for is to become an astronaut, and he knows his limited classroom won't get him there. What would start him off is joining the regular 7th grade science class, but everyone--parents and teachers--tell him he's not ready yet. But Alex knows he is, and keeps pushing and pushing until people listen, and give him a chance. But it's a lot harder than he thought, even with a personal aide in class with him. Primarily the problem is two bullies, one of whom used to be a good friend. Is Alex's one chance going to be derailed before it's even really started? Novel in verse.

I liked that there was frequent Spanish use in this, because Alex's family speaks it so it makes sense, and you can figure out from context what is meant because mostly it isn't explained. I liked the friend dramas that went on, much the same as with any friendship, neurodivergent or not. I did struggle to understand what Alex's neurodivergence was, or what exactly disqualified him from the regular classroom beyond a pushing incident a few years previously. It was never really specified, though a few incidents do shed some light. While I understand that was probably done on purpose, as this is from Alex's POV, it still felt a bit frustrating (maybe that was the goal?). Another thing that didn't entirely work for me was that while the bullying was annoying, compared to what 7th graders can do to each other, this was really tame. I didn't know if the book was aimed at much younger kids (3rd-5th, maybe), or at neurodivergent kids (which, fair), but I do wonder if it might struggle for readership because it felt "young." Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one for MamaDaughter Book Club's Newbery Contender Challenge, and it was very good, but not something that I'll be raving about for kids to read.

What I Liked:
- male protagonist, which for some reason there are never as many middle-grade books with male main characters
- science class and NASA and Alex has a very clear voice of what he wants in his life and how he thinks he needs to go about achieving it
- challenging, but ultimately supportive and good parents
- a mix of great educators, and some that are less great, which is very realistic
- some "kids behaving badly" via bullying, but there's a solid resolution to all of it with appropriate consequences

What I Struggled With:
- do they really still have special ed separated classes in a lot of places? That feels very uncommon where I live. It was absolutely how schools were when I was attending in the 1990s, but even at the middle school level in many places, special ed students typically are included in regular classes, with aides and other supports as necessary. So it seemed odd to me that it was such a big deal for Alex to get to join the standard science class. (I'm fully aware our school district could be an outlier in this regard, and this is still standard practice in lots of other states / school districts.)
- there's a lot of Spanish language in the book, and I was able to understand it via context clues (and what remains of my four years of high school Spanish), but I'm not sure how the average middle-grade reader would react to it. Obviously, for students who are bilingual or for whom Spanish is their first language, this is a great thing!

Overall, it felt like a nice coming-of-age type story, that specific readers will identify with and really enjoy. The novel-in-verse aspect was creative, with interesting usage of space on the page.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since third grade, school has been an isolating experience for now seventh-grade Alex Ramirez. Alex dreams of being in Ms. Rosef’s science class, but the SC class to which Alex is relegated does not have the opportunity to mingle with the rest of the seventh grade students. However, Alex is not one to be quiet, and with each new injustice he notices, he speaks out to his teachers and his parents. And even when Alex is offered some freedoms, the inequity of his classmates’ experience is enough to sour his excitement until he figures out a way to make everyone happy. This middle grade novel in verse is told in the first person from Alex’s perspective. Written in a blend of Spanish and English, the narrative feels as though it comes from the mind of a bilingual student, engagingly inviting readers directly into Alex’s experience. Though the cause of Alex’s relegation to SC is not overtly stated, readers clearly understand that something is out of the ordinary in Alex’s brain, which requires him to be separated from the majority of students. As the story continues, however, readers are questioning this decision alongside Alex, which opens the door to empathize with similar children in the reader’s own life. Inequities happen in classrooms around the United States every day, and it takes someone brave to advocate for a balance, especially when advocating for oneself. This book encourages readers to identify the right path and bravely follow it, no matter what obstacles might stand in the way. Medium-paced and written with heart, this middle grade novel in verse is an important addition to library collections for young readers.

[Allison Turkish · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for originality and capturing a voice that rang pure and true.

Alex is a neurodivergent 7th grader in a "self-contained" class (another way of saying special Ed??). We find out in the middle of the book that his mom was also a kid who struggled in school.

He speaks English and Spanish. I listened to the audio version of this book and I speak Spanish so I didn't have trouble understanding those parts. I don't know if the paper version has a glossary or if people are just supposed to figure out the Spanish from context.

Alex's parents are protective, but they're also very supportive and loving. Alex has an older sister who encourages him and helps him with school work. Alex is in love with the idea of becoming an astronaut and thinks about it a lot.

This book is mostly about Alex's feelings about being in a special class and his wanting to be in a mainstream science class. there are flashbacks telling the story of Alex being teased in third grade and it's clear that those kids still tease and bully him when possible.

I like how the author Incorporated the book Because of Winn-Dixie in Alex's school life. I remember loving that book. maybe I should go back and read it.

I can imagine teachers using this book in the classroom, but I'm not sure how many Middle School students would pick it up and read it unless they themselves struggled with learning disabilities or neurodivergence.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this novel in verse got into the head of neurodivergent Alex. The format works well to capture how Alex's thoughts can spiral and how he is learning to monitor himself. I loved that his family and teachers are supportive, even when that support doesn't always manifest itself in ways Alex understands or needs. He does admit he needs support. Through Alex's friends in the self-contained classroom he has been in for years, we see how different kids grow and begin to advocate for more opportunities, while honoring the student who doesn't feel ready to integrate in with the rest of school. The basic plot includes the typical bully story that also typically resolves itself as Alex learns to speak and stand up for himself.

With all of this love, why not 5 stars? Only because Paulino's integration of Spanish, one of Alex's languages, will limit the readership of this great book. I work with English Language Learners whose first language is not Spanish and unfortunately, this will make Alex's story hard for them to comprehend. Paulino does do a good job of making the meaning of Spanish words clear from the context, so I think this book will work well for native English speakers and of course for those who speak Spanish.

Review based on a digital ARC received through NetGalley.

[Erlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez by Jasminne Paulino is such a thoughtful and inspiring story. Alex is a student in a self-contained special education classroom, but what he really wants is the chance to be in a regular ed science class and be treated like everyone else. Along the way, Alex has to navigate his own challenges—like moments where he loses control—but he also learns how powerful it can be to use his voice and stand up for what he wants.

What I really loved about this book is how it highlights a perspective we don’t often see in children’s literature: the point of view of a student who spends most of his day in a self-contained classroom. Alex’s journey shows not only how capable he is but also how important it is for all students to recognize the value of self-advocacy. The book also touches on bullying and how hurtful assumptions can be, while still delivering a hopeful and uplifting message.

This is a wonderful book for both general ed and special ed students to read, because it helps break down barriers and reminds us that kids in different classrooms have a lot more in common than people think. With its honest representation of neurodivergent students and its encouraging message, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is a story I’ll absolutely be adding to my school library collection.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex loves outer space. But because he is neurodivergent, he is put in the SC (self-contained) classroom, with the other kids that have different ways of learning. He is not stupid. When he is with his father, he totally understands science and all things outer space. He desperately wants to be in the science class with the other kids, and pushes until he is allowed to.

The story is told from his point of view, including how annoying it is to have people tapping their pencils on the table, or mocking him, or any number of things that make him go inside his head to escape. Written in blank verse, you are able to see things from Alex’s point of view, and know what the bullies are doing to you.

I really liked that this story was told by Alex, because that is who wanted to so desperately do more. And it wouldn’t have made sense told any other way. I won’t say this was an enjoyable book to read, but it was enlightening. It is always important to walk in others' shoes. And this will be an excellent book to show other kids what it is like being Alex and others like Alex.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book was published on June 3, 2025 and is available everywhere books are sold.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read as I don’t think I’ve read a book from the perspective of a child in a special education class. I love it when I get to read from new perspectives! This one was an emotional tale of Alex, a boy who dreams of the stars but often feels tied down to Earth. He hears refrains of “don’t take on too much,” “you’re not ready,” and “it’s not for you.” This book is all about finding his voice and advocating for himself (and his friends) to his teachers, other students, his bullies, and even his biggest supporters — his family.

The chapters were very quick and often ended in the middle of a sentence because the title of the next chapter would finish the sentence and set the tone for the next chapter. It was an interesting way to write, though I’ll admit it was odd to listen to since I listened to the audiobook and there were long pauses before the title of the chapter was read.

Overall, this was a nice read and a great recommendation for anyone trying to find their voice.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is in 7th grade and is neurodivergent. He is in the SC, self-contained classroom because he has an IEP and anger management issues. He was moved there after some issues earlier in elementary school. Now he is tired of the unending, boring worksheets and dreams of being an astronaut and being in the gen ed science class taught by Mr. Rosef. Alex advocates for himself with his parents and his teacher for a chance to be in that class.

This is a debut novel written in verse. I listened to it as an audiobook and it had a lot of gaps and pauses that I found to be stilting. Perhaps it was the narrator trying to emphasize the poetical aspects? I loved the authenticity of Alex's family and classmates. Alex's voice also comes through very clearly and you want so badly for him to succeed and to be liked by his peers. YOu want our educational system to be better and do better for all our students.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a good reminder to advocate for ourselves, those around us, and to BELIEVE in our dreams.

Neurodiversity is not a reason to dream and go after your goals. You know what you are capable of no matter what, and like Alex, if you want to shoot for the stars (literally- he wants to go to space) GO FOR IT. Don't let, "you're not ready", "let's give it some time" deter you from trying. And guess what? If things happen and show you that you are not ready- you tried! You know what to expect and can try again!

Self-contained classrooms have their place, but those that are not in that situation need to be aware of the skills, feelings, and personalities beyond the neurodiversity. This story gives a peek into the mind of a 7th grade boy who dreams of more. Love the novel in verse format for this- it is so effective.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has been in SC, the school's self-contained classroom since third grade. He begins to realize that if he is stuck there forever, he will never come close to achieving his dream of becoming an astronaut. To begin to take charge of his own learning is a scary proposition, especially since Alex has to overcome nervous habits and control outbursts. Alex discovers that the process of change is messy, but he ends by changing for the better not only his own orbit, but the orbits of his friends in SC as well, and maybe even the orbits of a couple of the school bullies, too. The reader, through verse, is provided the ability to hear Alex's thoughts about space, education, and change, and maybe even think about one's own life and choices and how those affect those around us, as well.

[Diana Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex's story will make you reconsider what life must be like for neurodivergent students who have been removed from the classroom for largely behavioral issues who have academic needs that aren't being met. This verse novel follows the experiences of seventh-grade Alex who must advocate for himself to convince his parents and teacher that he is ready for a science class with the other middle schoolers. Luckily, Alex has his sister on his sides, and the adults in his life truly want what is best for him. As a Spanish teacher, I loved all the Spanish in this book and am hoping the print copy has more translations than the audiobook so my students don't miss anything.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space obsessed, neurodivergent seventh grader Alex finds himself in a self-contained classroom, yearning to join a science class with the rest of his peers. This novel in verse chronicles Alex’s journey as he recognizes the inequities around him and advocates for access to the science class, despite the concerns of those around him. Alex is a likeable character and the novel in verse format allows readers to truly feel his frustration about not feeling heard. Powerful story of advocacy, perseverance, and potential.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I have found a middle grade novel with excellent ASD (autism spectrum disorder) representation. Additionally, this book has Latine representation which I appreciate, thinking specifically about the demographics of my students. I also appreciate the fact that both parents want the best for their son who loves science and wants to leave his self-contained class to go to the "regular" class. While this book did not make me nearly as emotional as The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn, I still really enjoyed my reading experience.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A verse novel about Alex Ramirez who has designs on being an astronaut one day, but there are things that are keeping him from some of those dreams-- like being a neurodivergent kid in a self-contained classroom which means that he isn't in a mainstream science class, so he does the majority of his research on the NASA website and watching videos.

It's a warm story about potential and possibilities and the realities of life being neurodivergent and the expectations people have around you. It also paints a picture of a school experience not often seen in middle grade/YA literature.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the messaging in here -- that all kids want to be able to pursue their interests, they want to feel safe, they want to be respected. I also love Alex's actively supportive family. I agree with another reviewer that it doesn't necessarily feel accurate -- it's hard to understand why Alex is in a self-contained classroom -- but I appreciate that the school changes in response to Alex and his family's advocacy. As with many books that represent neurodivergence, I'd feel more confident in it if it was written by someone with lived experience, but I appreciate the sensitive representation that this book is portraying. I also love that it is bilingual.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Objectively, this book is really good. It highlights the experience of a kid who struggles in school and overcomes barriers in a satisfying way. Subjectively, I struggled to connect with it and I'm not sure why. It's a novel in verse which I typically enjoy as an audiobook, but I often zoned out and realized I'd missed a bunch. This is probably a result of where my scattered mind is at right now and not the fault of the book or narrator at all. 4.5 stars for literary appreciation and 3 stars for personal enjoyment.

[Karen Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful novel in verse told from a unique perspective. For me as a parent and teacher it helped me constantly be thinking how to better help neurodiverse children and try to think of how they might see their own day to day successes and struggles. I hope it will provide a similar experience to young readers. Whether you are a young reader who feels seen or is able to better see others through this story, there is so much emotion, hope, and triumph throughout these pages.