The compelling coming-of-age adventure of one young boy and his fight for freedom and a place to call home. A thrilling and touching story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen -- perfect for fans of Holes!
Jaxon Averett has had a string of bad luck. After his parents died a few years ago, and his grandmother grew too sick to care for him, he's been living with his Uncle Clive Grimmitz, Aunt Helga, and their six delinquent kids. Life with them isn't easy--his cousins are all bullies and his aunt and uncle use Jax as a source of free labor.
So, on the night before his twelfth birthday, Jax sneaks to the neighboring property, rows a raft out into the middle of the hot springs lake, and drops anchor. His raft is now a micronation, and Jax is the president and sole citizen of the Free Kingdom of Jax.
The property owner, Owen O'Keefe, allows Jax to stay, as long as he follows the laws of establishing a micronation. But soon, Jax becomes embroiled in the years-old mystery of Owen's missing brother, Waylon, and begins his own investigation.
With the help of a newfound friend, Alicia, and her mom, local lawyer Sheila, Jax's micronation begins to flourish. But the Grimmitzes are desperate to get him back, by any means necessary, and when long-buried family secrets are unearthed, Jax must find the courage to do what's right.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen spins an extraordinary mystery about family, forgiveness, and the courage of one young boy who is determined to build more than his own country--he must build his own life.
Praise for Uprising:
* "A riveting, seamless combination of fact and historical fiction." --School Library Journal, starred review
Praise for Iceberg:
"Page-turning historical drama." --Kirkus Reviews
"An engrossing portrait of an infamous maiden journey." --Publishers Weekly
"Nielsen's use of both real and fictional characters makes the story feel authentic and wildly suspenseful as she takes the reader on the final journey of the 'unsinkable ship.'" --School Library Connection
Praise for Lines of Courage:
"A powerful, absorbing story that shines a light on an often overlooked chapter in human history." --Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
Praise for Words of Fire:
* "Gripping... Audra's story deserves a palce on the shelf next to Lois Lowry's Number the Stars and Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief." --Booklist, starred review
"{This} adventure about a little-known palce and time... delivers action and suspense." --Kirkus Reviews
"There is much on offer in this novel: family love, patriotism, magic, and the importance of books... Highly recommended." --School Library Connection
Praise for Resistance:
A Sydney Taylor Notable Book
"The edge-of-your-seat climax places readers amidst the gritty, horrifying street battles of the Warsaw Ghetto and pays tribute to those who sacrificed themselves so others would live... Historical fiction at its finest, this informs, enlightens, and engages young readers." --School Library Journal
"Highlight{s} moments of resistance via cinematic action sequences." --Kirkus Reviews
"Suspense mounts continually as Chaya survives her ordeals, gaining strength and faith in her mission. The courage and self-sacrifice of many characters is inspiring." --Publishers Weekly
"Fast-paced and suspenseful." --School Library Connection
Praise for A Night Divided:
ILA-CBC Children's Choices List selection
"Absorbing and deeply suspenseful, with plenty of ticking-clock tension... an eye-opening glimpse of history." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A marvelously crafted historical novel about courage, perseverance and the will to survive, A Night Divided excels in every regard." --Reading Eagle
"Distinct supporting characters... demonstrate the harrowing choices people made to survive, encouraging readers to consider what they woudl have done if fate and history h
