Title: The Free State of Jax
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Genre: Realistic fiction
Age Range: Middle grade
Similar book: What Goes Up by Wen Jane Baragrey
Summary (provided by publisher): Jaxon Averett has had some terrifically bad luck. Because only the worst luck in the world can account for the fact that he has to live with his Uncle Clive Grimmitz, Aunt Helga, and their six kids in dead-end Walkonby, Kansas. Life with Jax's cousins isn't easy -- they're all bullies, and his aunt and uncle can't even remember his name.
Which is why, on the night before his twelfth birthday, Jax sneaks over to the neighboring property, floats a raft out into the middle of the hot springs lake, and drops anchor.
Jax is now the president and sole citizen of his own micronation, the Free State of Jax.
With the help of new friends, a local lawyer, and the property owner Owen O'Keefe, Jax's micronation begins to flourish. But the Grimmitzes will do anything to get him back and they are not above sabotage. On top of that, Jax is quickly embroiled in the mystery of Owen's missing brother -- and a lost windfall of the town's money.
Investigating puts everything Jax has built at risk, and when long-buried family secrets are unearthed, he must find the courage to do what's right, even if it means losing his only chance at freedom.
What I liked: The tone here is nearly perfect. It balances humor and heart. The plot is arguably ridiculous but it remains charming in a way reminiscent of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The characters strike a similar balance. They appear to be shallow, one note figures but largely reveal depth as the book progresses. It's a book that is fun to read and leaves us with something to think about at the end.
What I didn't like: I could point out the rather hard to swallow elements or the general predictability of the resolution but I actually don't mind those things so much. They remain in the "forgivable" level of offenses.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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