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, Jack forms the Free State of Jacks, 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.

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.

Sam and Dana explore Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, where siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents’ estate is actually a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures. When Seth’s curiosity unleashes chaos, the kids must face witches, demons, and dark forces to save their family. Sam and Dana debate the world-building, the underwhelming villains, and how Fablehaven stacks up against Impossible Creatures.