Orphans, Micronations, and Murder Mysteries: The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Poverty, Friendship, and Finding Hope: Front Desk by Kelly Yang

On this episode of BookWards, Sam and Dana celebrate the end of season one and discuss Front Desk by Kelly Yang. They explore Mia Tang’s life as a young Chinese immigrant helping her family run a struggling motel while facing poverty, bullying, and racism. Sam praises the book’s realistic portrayal of hardship and community, while both hosts discuss memorable characters like the cruel Mr. Yao, Mia’s friend Lupe, and the motel’s long-term residents who become like family.

Ideas, Plot Twists, and Writing Secrets: Interview with Jennifer Nielsen

On this episode of Bookwards, Sam and Dana sit down with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen to talk about her incredible books, including The False Prince and The Free State of Jax. They dive into how she comes up with ideas, her writing process, and why first drafts are meant to be messy. Jennifer shares fun behind-the-scenes stories about creating her characters (including some surprising real-life inspiration), what makes a great villain, and how she builds heroes readers love. It’s a fun and insightful conversation filled with writing tips, storytelling secrets, and inspiration for readers and aspiring writers alike.

Private Planes, Pretzels, and $5 Million: Millionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty

On this episode of Bookwards, hosts Sam and Dana dive into Millionaires for the Month, a wild story about two middle schoolers challenged to spend $5 million in just 30 days—with strict rules that make it much harder than it sounds. They break down the book’s most outrageous moments (from private planes to ruined collectibles), debate how they would spend the money themselves, and explore the differences between the two main characters—ambitious, driven Benji and quiet, struggling Felix. Along the way, they discuss friendship, money, pressure, and what it really means to have (or not have) everything.

Orphans, Micronations, and Murder Mysteries: The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen

On this episode of Bookwards, Sam, Dana, and special guest Charlie dive into a story about a 12-year-old orphan who creates his own micronation to escape a difficult home life. Living on a raft in the middle of a lake, Jax forms the Free State of Jax, complete with a constitution, citizens, and legal standing. But as his new country grows, Jack uncovers a local mystery involving stolen money, a man accused of murdering his brother, and a town hiding the truth. It’s a smart, funny, and surprisingly educational story about independence, justice, and finding where you belong.

The Triple

On this episode of Bookwards, we dive into three magical adventures: The Black Market by Jed Alexander, where a secret Halloween marketplace holds mysterious surprises; The Memory Spinner by C.M. Cornwell, about a forgetful kid who turns to a magical dressmaker for help; and Encantadora’s Guide to Mastros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca, featuring a brave girl hunting monsters to save her family. Join Sam and Dana as they read, review, and explore these enchanting stories.