Get ready for a sweet, heartfelt story that blends baking, grief, and second chances. In this week’s First Chapter Friday, I read aloud the opening chapter of Marvelous Jackson, a touching middle grade novel by Laura Anne Bird—PLUS a special interview with the author where she shares behind-the-scenes inspiration, writing advice, and the story behind Jack’s journey from loss to hope.
About the Book:
After the devastating loss of his mom, 13-year-old Jack is trying to find his footing in small-town northern Wisconsin. When he stumbles upon an audition flyer for the Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship, a spark is reignited—one he used to share with his mom in the kitchen. Determined to rise to the challenge, Jack dives into cupcakes, cobblers, and courage as he works toward healing his grief, repairing his relationship with his dad, and maybe even winning the big prize in Chicago.
Perfect for:
Middle school ELA classrooms and book clubs
First Chapter Friday activities
Bibliotherapy & SEL book lists (grief, healing, emotional resilience)
Fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington or A Place to Hang the Moon
Kids who love The Great British Bake Off or dream of baking on TV
🎯 Use this video to:
✅ Introduce a contemporary story with heart and healing
✅ Spark thoughtful classroom conversations around grief, creativity, and courage
✅ Encourage independent reading with a relatable, emotionally rich novel
✅ Offer students an inside look at an author’s creative process
First Chapter Friday Student Worksheets:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Grab your copy of Marvelous Jackson here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4gz7V39
Laura's website: https://www.laurabirdbooks.com/
Batter Royale First Chapter Friday: https://youtu.be/cP9QkzrgSZM
📌 Subscribe for more weekly First Chapter Friday read-alouds, author interviews, and creative book-based resources!
☕ Like this free resource? Fuel more teacher content by buying me a virtual coffee: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #MarvelousJackson #LauraAnneBird #MiddleGradeBooks #BooksAboutGrief #BooksForKidsWhoBake #KidsBakingChampionship #RealisticFiction #BakingBooks #SELBooks #ReadingHook #MiddleSchoolELA #BooksForTweens #BookTalk #ClassroomReadAloud #AmandaZieba #wordnerd
About the Book:
After the devastating loss of his mom, 13-year-old Jack is trying to find his footing in small-town northern Wisconsin. When he stumbles upon an audition flyer for the Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship, a spark is reignited—one he used to share with his mom in the kitchen. Determined to rise to the challenge, Jack dives into cupcakes, cobblers, and courage as he works toward healing his grief, repairing his relationship with his dad, and maybe even winning the big prize in Chicago.
Perfect for:
Middle school ELA classrooms and book clubs
First Chapter Friday activities
Bibliotherapy & SEL book lists (grief, healing, emotional resilience)
Fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington or A Place to Hang the Moon
Kids who love The Great British Bake Off or dream of baking on TV
🎯 Use this video to:
✅ Introduce a contemporary story with heart and healing
✅ Spark thoughtful classroom conversations around grief, creativity, and courage
✅ Encourage independent reading with a relatable, emotionally rich novel
✅ Offer students an inside look at an author’s creative process
First Chapter Friday Student Worksheets:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Grab your copy of Marvelous Jackson here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4gz7V39
Laura's website: https://www.laurabirdbooks.com/
Batter Royale First Chapter Friday: https://youtu.be/cP9QkzrgSZM
📌 Subscribe for more weekly First Chapter Friday read-alouds, author interviews, and creative book-based resources!
☕ Like this free resource? Fuel more teacher content by buying me a virtual coffee: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #MarvelousJackson #LauraAnneBird #MiddleGradeBooks #BooksAboutGrief #BooksForKidsWhoBake #KidsBakingChampionship #RealisticFiction #BakingBooks #SELBooks #ReadingHook #MiddleSchoolELA #BooksForTweens #BookTalk #ClassroomReadAloud #AmandaZieba #wordnerd