Orbiting Differently

Some kids fit in. Elijah orbits differently.

Eleven-year-old Elijah Brooks sees the world through patterns, logic, and systems that make sense-until people don't. Navigating middle school in a general education classroom, Elijah faces loud hallways, confusing social rules, and classmates who don't always understand him.

With his love for space, animals, and facts to ground him, Elijah finds comfort in what is predictable. But life outside his notebook is anything but. At home, tension rises between his mom and stepdad as they try to support him in ways they don't always get right. His younger brother loves him, but their differences often clash. And his father-who comes and goes with promises-leaves Elijah learning a difficult truth about expectation and disappointment.

When a new friendship begins to shift his perspective, Elijah slowly starts to understand something bigger than facts: connection, flexibility, and the courage to be himself in a world that doesn't always make sense.

As the school year unfolds and Elijah approaches his twelfth birthday, he discovers that growing up isn't about changing who you are-it's about learning how to move through the world in your own orbit.

Orbiting Differently is a heartfelt, powerful story about autism, family, resilience, and finding your place-exactly as you are.