Chasing Jupiter

With a mature voice and descriptive ability that belies her 17 years, Coker (Interrupted) tells the story of Scarlett Blaine, the 16-year-old protagonist of this sweet love story centered on a family in late-1960s Georgia. Scarlett’s eccentric younger brother, Cliff, is bent on learning Spanish and building a space rocket. Together, Scarlett and Cliff endeavor to bake and sell peach pies to fund a trip to Jupiter for Cliff, his birthday wish. Along the way, the Blaine family confronts the hardships of caring for Grandpop Barley, a curmudgeon who loves peanut butter, and Scarlett’s rebellious older sister, Juli. Minor confusions and repetitions mar Coker’s sophomore effort, and not every storyline finds an organic conclusion. Yet the author’s passion, along with her gift for description and pace, make up for these small imperfections, as does the pure charm of the narrative. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)■