The Free State of Jax

Author: Jennifer A Neilsen

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 339

Grade Level: 3 - 7

ISBN:  978-1546166085 

On the eve of his twelfth birthday, Jax puts into action a plan he has been working on for weeks.  He packs up his belongings and moves across the yard to a lake where he has a raft. He then declares himself to be president of “The Free State of Jax”.  Jax is running away or running to freedom from his cruel, bullying cousins and his aunt and uncle who clearly don’t care anything about him and actually don’t even know his name.  

Jax has read up on micronations and sets up one.  He has done quite a bit of research, and has a lot of information, but not quite enough to win this war.  First, he decided that he doesn’t need anyone else to help him - he can help himself.  But, some of the kids in the neighborhood come to help him and to become part of The Free State of Jax and things begin to happen.  Also, Jax learns that the lake and the shoreline belong to Owen O’Keefe, a man whose brother disappeared years ago.  Owen is suspected of stealing money from the town and for the death of his brother.  As Jax learns more about Owen, he decides that Owen couldn’t have killed his own brother. The police become involved, lawyers, and even the governor becomes involved in Jax’s problem.  Jax comes to realize that we all need to ask for help at some point and he begins to trust some of the adults who are trying to help him.

 Most of the story in the book is pretty much realistic, but some parts do stretch the realistic a bit.  It is a fun book to read. 

Reviewed by Audrey Campbell, MED

Reading Specialist and Library Media Center Director

Valley Adventist Schools, Rogers Campus

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