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.
