Jasminne Paulino Talks Debut Novel-in-Verse, 'The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez'

By Amaris Castillo

Did you know there are middle school kids who don’t get to do what everybody else does?

I’m one of them.

Alex, a neurodivergent seventh-grader, feels trapped. He spends all day in a self-contained classroom, surrounded by the same classmates. He finds it frustrating. His teacher, Ms. Sharon, refers to them as "friends," a term that seems too juvenile for him.

He longs to leave his classroom. He craves more experiences, more opportunities.

Jasminne Paulino’s debut novel-in-verse, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez, follows Alex’s journey as he learns to advocate for himself. Obsessed with NASA, he dreams of joining Ms. Rosef’s mainstream science class. Yet, Ms. Sharon keeps saying that his class isn't ready. Feeling cornered, Alex decides to push forward through the uncertainty.

This heartfelt story, releasing on June 3 from G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, captures Alex’s challenges and aspirations. Readers will root for him as he strives to carve out a new place at school. Ahead of the book’s release, Paulino spoke with the Dominican Writers Association about her inspiration behind the story, the importance of self-advocacy, and the realities of creating a neurodivergent character.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Congratulations on The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez! What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration stems from various experiences. I was once a kid who might have thrived in a self-contained classroom. As an educator, I saw how these classrooms operated. They often miss the mark for kids who are neither fully self-contained nor completely mainstream. Where do we create growth opportunities for these kids? As a parent of children with IEPs, I wanted to explore the need for kids to venture beyond special education and find their interests. These experiences collectively shaped the story.

Your main character, Alex, is in a self-contained classroom. What does that mean, and how is it different from a mainstream classroom?

In a self-contained classroom, students remain with the same group for most of the day. Many middle schoolers stay in this setup from sixth to eighth grade. Meanwhile, other students get to switch classes. This dynamic suits some kids who need that consistent environment but can frustrate those who are aware of opportunities outside their classroom. I wanted to spend time with a child like Alex and present his unique perspective.

Why did you choose to write this book in verse instead of prose?

It was a natural decision. Alex's voice feels musical. I believe novels-in-verse should resonate like music. His thoughts and expressions fit perfectly into that format, allowing me to do his story justice.

Can you explain your choice to depict Alex as neurodivergent?

As someone with ADHD, I understand the anxiety it brings. My experiences, combined with my observations of how kids with special needs were treated, drove me to create Alex's character. In Latinx communities, we often shy away from discussing differences in our children. I wanted to normalize the conversation about neurodivergence. Alex’s parents strive to support him as they navigate his unique needs.

How did hyper-focusing play a role in shaping Alex’s character?

Neurodivergent individuals, including kids and adults, often develop intense passions. I wanted Alex's obsession with space to serve as a comforting touchstone in his life. It helps him process various aspects of his world, from home life to friendships.

Does Alex’s passion for space hold any real-life symbolism?

While I'm not a space enthusiast, I included several poems reflecting Alex's thoughts about the universe. Writing about space captivates some children and provides them with comfort. I was also inspired by recent space launches, which sparked discussions that influenced my depiction of Alex’s interests.

Alex reflects on past actions, particularly regarding a former friend. What message do you hope to convey to readers?

I aimed to validate those feelings that many children experience. It’s common to obsess over past mistakes. Parents and educators should recognize that kids have complex emotions. Characters like Alex may be fictional, but their experiences reflect the true struggles of many children.

One of the book's themes is self-advocacy. Was that intentional from the beginning?

Yes, I wanted to empower kids to feel agency. It's about recognizing when something feels wrong and using their voice to address it. Alex has parents who encourage him, and that support is crucial. I hope to send a message that kids can question, wonder, and carve out the spaces they need.

What do you hope young readers learn from The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez?

I want kids who feel unseen to know there’s room for them. I encourage them to take baby steps toward their dreams. Each day, they should try something that challenges them. Often, society pushes kids to fit into molds that aren’t meant for them. I want them to find their paths and connect with those who will support them.

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Visit our BookShop to preorder a copy of The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez.

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About the Author: Jasminne Paulino is a Spanish teacher with experience participating in workshops and mentorships with Highlights and Las Musas. She holds an MFA in writing for young people from Lesley University. The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is her debut. Follow her on Twitter @JasminnePNYC.

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Amaris Castillo is a journalist and writer. She created Bodega Stories, which features real narratives from corner stores. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, the Lowell Sun, and many more. She has also published creative writing in various literary magazines. Amaris lives in Florida with her family. You can follow her work at amariscastillo.com.