First Chapter Friday Read-Aloud + Author Interview: The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen: Ready for an unforgettable adventure full of mystery, mischief, and micronations? In this First Chapter Friday episode, we’re diving into The Free State of Jax — the newest novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen (The False Prince, Words on Fire).
Twelve-year-old Jax Averett has had enough of bad luck and bullying cousins. So, on the eve of his twelfth birthday, he does something bold — he declares independence and founds his very own country: The Free State of Jax. But when secrets surface, fortunes go missing, and family loyalties are tested, Jax must decide what freedom truly means.
After the read-aloud, stick around for a special author interview with Jennifer A. Nielsen, where she shares behind-the-scenes inspiration, her favorite part of writing this story, and what she hopes readers take away from Jax’s journey.
Perfect for middle school classrooms, literature circles, or independent reading inspiration! Teachers — add this video to your First Chapter Friday rotation to help students discover a new book they’ll love.
Watch. Listen. Fall in love with reading — one chapter at a time, then comment Below: If you could start your own micronation, what would you name it?
First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Jennifer's website: https://jennielsen.com/
Grab your copy of The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4oCwDTk
Appreciate this free video? Fuel future content by buying me a virtual coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
#FirstChapterFriday #JenniferANielsen #TheFreeStateOfJax #MiddleGradeBooks #ReadAloud #MiddleSchoolELA #BookTalk #AuthorInterview #ClassroomReadAloud #ReadingMotivation #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #BookRecommendations #TeachingReading #StudentEngagement #ReadersGonnaRead #amandazieba #wordnerd
Twelve-year-old Jax Averett has had enough of bad luck and bullying cousins. So, on the eve of his twelfth birthday, he does something bold — he declares independence and founds his very own country: The Free State of Jax. But when secrets surface, fortunes go missing, and family loyalties are tested, Jax must decide what freedom truly means.
After the read-aloud, stick around for a special author interview with Jennifer A. Nielsen, where she shares behind-the-scenes inspiration, her favorite part of writing this story, and what she hopes readers take away from Jax’s journey.
Perfect for middle school classrooms, literature circles, or independent reading inspiration! Teachers — add this video to your First Chapter Friday rotation to help students discover a new book they’ll love.
Watch. Listen. Fall in love with reading — one chapter at a time, then comment Below: If you could start your own micronation, what would you name it?
First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Jennifer's website: https://jennielsen.com/
Grab your copy of The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4oCwDTk
Appreciate this free video? Fuel future content by buying me a virtual coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
#FirstChapterFriday #JenniferANielsen #TheFreeStateOfJax #MiddleGradeBooks #ReadAloud #MiddleSchoolELA #BookTalk #AuthorInterview #ClassroomReadAloud #ReadingMotivation #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #BookRecommendations #TeachingReading #StudentEngagement #ReadersGonnaRead #amandazieba #wordnerd