Prolific author Jennifer A. Nielsen, best known for her YA fantasy (the Ascendance series) and historical fiction (Lines of Courage), offers readers The Free State of Jax, a funny, fast-paced coming-of-age adventure mystery about one lonely boy's quest to claim agency over his own out-of-control life.
Jaxon Averett is an orphan living in Walkonby, Kan., whose custodial relatives, the Grimmitzes, can't be bothered to get his name right; Jax is certain he needs to escape from his bullying and crude guardians. After posting his personal Declaration of Independence on the bathroom mirror "with the help of some well-chewed bubble gum," Jax sets out to claim eminent domain over a pond on a seemingly abandoned property next door; he establishes a new country he calls the Free State of Jax. As the founder and president of this micronation ("Population: 1"), Jax has obviously done his research about the process: he quotes frequently from a 1933 Uruguay treaty describing how a country can be formed as he industriously works toward that goal. Unfortunately (and mysteriously), the Grimmitzes, with their six mostly awful children (Denise, Dutch, Daisy, Delilah, Danger, and Chet Chet), are working just as hard to keep him from actualizing his independence. To make matters more complicated, the land Jax has claimed turns out to be owned by Owen O'Keefe, a possible thief and murderer, who ends up being one of the only adults who takes Jax's governmental aspirations seriously. Mr. O'Keefe also brings Jax tasty meals, and it's "hard to imagine a coldhearted villain blending [stew] seasonings so perfectly." Still, the man's reputation is clouded by rumors: after the townspeople donated thousands of dollars to Mr. O'Keefe and his brother to turn their property into a hot springs resort, both brother and money went missing.
What with trying to write his constitution, supervising a stream of kids arriving to help fix up the micronation, and engaging in mud- (and stinky sock-) slinging warfare with the Grimmitz brood, Jax barely has time to try to solve the O'Keefe mystery. That is, until a tornado strikes and reveals the answer right under their noses.
Nielsen deftly juggles a lively collection of plots and subplots, including a decidedly unusual main storyline. The outcome of Jax's efforts will likely feel like victory for readers, though they're not exactly what Jax had planned. The Free State of Jax should be a great read for any kid who enjoys Gordon Korman or Stuart Gibbs. --Emilie Coulter, freelance writer and editor
Shelf Talker: In this lively and unusual adventure-mystery, a boy creates a micronation by claiming eminent domain over a neighbor's pond--and finds friendship, family, and a way finally to be seen and heard.