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Marvelous Jackson Paperback – September 10, 2024

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

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After losing his mom, a struggling thirteen-year-old boy in northern Wisconsin rediscovers the love of baking he once shared with her and decides to audition for the world-famous, big-hearted Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship television show in Chicago. Jack is sure that his new sense of purpose will help him stay out of trouble, so he throws himself into learning the finer points of sprinkles and scones -- and hopefully even mending his broken relationship with his dad.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Tender, captivating, and thought-provoking... Bird masterfully blends themes of family, loss, self-discovery, and fortitude in the quaint backdrop of a Midwestern town in her latest middle grade novel, taking readers on a troubled boy's journey to self-discovery... With its well-managed pacing, the novel effortlessly weaves between contemplative moments of raw emotion and captivating sequences that intensify anticipation, notably as Jack embarks on his path towards competing in the prestigious baking competition. With a compelling voice and fully fleshed-out characters, Bird delivers a poignant tale that strikes at the heart with rawness and honesty. A stunner.
- The Prairies Book Review

Bird's writing style is descriptive and evocative, painting vivid scenes that capture the essence of each moment. The novel's exploration of grief is poignant and resonant, offering a sensitive portrayal of loss and healing. A moving and uplifting read that celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love, community, and self-discovery; a must-have purchase for all middle grade collections.
- BookView Review

Bird does an excellent job of balancing the narrative with short chapters that alternate between present action, reflections on the past, and rising tension... Set in the authentic-feeling small town of Alwyn, Wisconsin, the story also boasts a pleasing regional specificity that's often missing from many current middle-grade books... Young readers will find themselves rooting for Jack to succeed.. A charming story of perseverance and family bonds.
- Kirkus Reviews

From the Author

If you've read Crossing the Pressure Line, my first book, you probably remember Jack Wilson. He follows Clare and her friends around all summer, stirring up trouble and giving everyone a headache. He's an unlikeable character, for sure, but I was sure there was more to his story.
 
I was right! 

When 
Marvelous Jackson begins, Jack has taken his mischief too far and is faced with the possibility of unbearable consequences—like being sent away to Davy Crockett Institute of Outdoor Learning in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He knows it's time to make a big change, because he'll never survive being forced to live like a pioneer. 

Through an unexpected turn of events, Jack rediscovers the love of baking he shared with his mom when she was alive, and he throws himself into learning the finer points of sprinkles and scones. He decides to apply for the world-famous, big-hearted 
Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship television show in Chicago, even though he knows his journey there will be tough and twisty.  

I fell in love with Jack while writing 
Marvelous Jackson, and I hope you come to adore him, too. I think his story is perfect for kids for who love to bake, who feel like they don't fit in, or who are trying to figure out what hobbies fill them with joy.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orange Hat Publishing (September 10, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 270 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645386910
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645386919
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12 years, from customers
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.67 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

About the author

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Laura Anne Bird
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A Milwaukee native, Laura Anne Bird graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in English. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband, three big kids, and little dog. When she’s not reading, writing, or reviewing books, she loves to exercise and explore the outdoors.

​Marvelous Jackson is a follow-up to Laura's middle grade debut, Crossing the Pressure Line, which garnered awards from the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Midwest Independent Publishers Association, and the Arts + Literature Laboratory's Wisconsin Writers Awards program.

​Join Laura on Instagram @laura_at_the_library, where she celebrates all things literary.

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
22 global ratings

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Delightful, impactful story
5 out of 5 stars
Delightful, impactful story
Another joyful story from Laura Ann Bird. Like her first book, Marvelous Jackson has well-drawn characters, a fast-moving plot, good lessons, and maintains a hopeful arc while grappling with real-life struggles. There is a strong sense of place in northern Wisconsin, and a diverse set of folks without being pandering. I think my favorite aspect of Bird’s writing is she doesn’t talk down to kids. The vocabulary gently stretches them, but she always gives enough context clues to keep them rolling along. And when she mentions the many shades of purple during “the gloaming” I am so pleased to think that so many hundreds of kids out there will now know that term, and therefore appreciate that time of day in a new way. It’s just an extremely well-done, beautiful book that I highly recommend. Thoughtful readers (as well as their parents, librarians and teachers!) can only hope this author has more books in her future.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
    Another joyful story from Laura Ann Bird. Like her first book, Marvelous Jackson has well-drawn characters, a fast-moving plot, good lessons, and maintains a hopeful arc while grappling with real-life struggles. There is a strong sense of place in northern Wisconsin, and a diverse set of folks without being pandering. I think my favorite aspect of Bird’s writing is she doesn’t talk down to kids. The vocabulary gently stretches them, but she always gives enough context clues to keep them rolling along. And when she mentions the many shades of purple during “the gloaming” I am so pleased to think that so many hundreds of kids out there will now know that term, and therefore appreciate that time of day in a new way. It’s just an extremely well-done, beautiful book that I highly recommend. Thoughtful readers (as well as their parents, librarians and teachers!) can only hope this author has more books in her future.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, impactful story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
    Another joyful story from Laura Ann Bird. Like her first book, Marvelous Jackson has well-drawn characters, a fast-moving plot, good lessons, and maintains a hopeful arc while grappling with real-life struggles. There is a strong sense of place in northern Wisconsin, and a diverse set of folks without being pandering. I think my favorite aspect of Bird’s writing is she doesn’t talk down to kids. The vocabulary gently stretches them, but she always gives enough context clues to keep them rolling along. And when she mentions the many shades of purple during “the gloaming” I am so pleased to think that so many hundreds of kids out there will now know that term, and therefore appreciate that time of day in a new way. It’s just an extremely well-done, beautiful book that I highly recommend. Thoughtful readers (as well as their parents, librarians and teachers!) can only hope this author has more books in her future.
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    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2024
    Excellent read--couldn't put it down. Pulling for Jack as he had the spunk and insight to turn his mistakes into fuel--inspiring baking adventures--fun vocabulary for young readers as well as gritty guideposts for happy trails.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
    The stakes are high for thirteen year-old Jackson in this middle grade novel: if he doesn’t get on the right path soon, his dad will send him to boarding school in the UP of Michigan. Thankfully, Jackson finds meaning (and renewed connection to his mom, who passed away) through baking, and even decides to audition for the Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship. A delightful companion to Bird’s Crossing the Pressure Line, Marvelous Jackson will be devoured by readers who love to bake and root for those in need of redemption.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
    Having loved Laura's first book (Crossing the Pressure Line), I expected to love this one. Spoiler alert - my expectations were met and even exceeded :)

    This has a teen boy, Jackson, who has been going through a rough patch. His mother passed away, his dad is more focused on running their Northwoods family restaurant than being an involved father, and Jackson is one more incident at school away from being kicked out for good. His plan to avoid this fate? Find a hobby that will keep him out of trouble - and maybe even help him find himself.

    We're back in the wonderful world that Laura created for her first book, Crossing the Pressure Line, and it's so good to be back. This small town in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is populated with interesting characters, and really genuine moments between Jackson and his friends, his father, and the other important adults in his life. I love how the stakes have been raised, and that it isn't all smooth sailing for Jackson as he develops this new baking hobby. All of the topics of grief, and friendship, and being true to yourself, and growing up are handled so marvelously. And I am obsessed with where Laura chooses to conclude the story; I suspect many young readers will have strong feelings about the way it all wraps up, and I love the opportunities that presents for discussion and debate.

    Please do yourself a favor and get this one preordered. This is a standalone (though obviously I think you will enjoy it more if you're read her first book), and I love that the protagonist is a teen boy with a passion outside the stereotypical hobbies or activities for someone his age. Another book that I would tell any family to add to their read-aloud list, or would happily place in the hands of middle-grade readers so they can realize the ways in which they themselves are Marvelous.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2024
    What a delightful read! This would make a perfect gift for readers of all ages but particularly middle school. It’s got everything - humor, drama, excitement, and twists & turns. Do yourself a favor and purchase a copy today.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
    Bedtime for my grandson is 8 pm but he is allowed to read for awhile after snuggling in bed. I spent the night with him recently. I was downstairs when I heard Mack tearing down the stairs-when he roared into the kitchen he said “ Mimi! I stayed up until 9:00 last night. I was near the end of my book and just couldn’t stop reading until I finished it!” Is there a higher compliment for an author?
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024
    I just finished reading a terrific new book from the blossoming author Laura Anne Merritt Bird, entitled 'Marvelous Jackson.'
    I must say, this middle school book certainly took me back to being 13 again, which I found to be quite enjoyable. Buy this book as a gift for any middle schooler that may be on your gift list people. 'Marvelous Jackson' gives inspiration to all who read it, especially middle schoolers, and it comes with a brilliant ending. Good on ya L.A.M.B. Maybe better than your first book - Crossing The Pressure Line
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024
    This middle grade novel is for all ages- follow Jack after losing his mother as he reignites an old hobby and works through relationships with several twists and turns. It’s exciting, heartwarming and will make you hungry for some yummy treats. Read this book and also read CROSSING THE PRESSURE LINE to get a glimpse of where Jack began.