Super Jake & the King of Chaos

Ethan loves magic and dreams of being a professional magician one day. The only thing that he loves more is his family, especially his baby brother, Jake, who was born with a neurological disorder that has left him unable to talk or move around on his own. Sometimes life is a little stressful with his parents, little brother, grandparents, and a whole community of specialists and therapists trying to help Jake, but Ethan wouldn't have it any other way. That is until Jake suddenly gets really sick and Ethan's dream of winning a magic competition and performing with his hero, Magnus the Magnificent, are pushed aside. As Ethan struggles with his inability to help his baby brother and his newfound responsibilities, he learns with the help of his family, Jake, and their community that love and hope might be the greatest magic of all.

Super Jake & the King of Chaos is loosely based on the Naomi Milliner's experiences with her young son who had "Cerebellar hypoplasia," which is a rare condition where a baby's cerebellum is either missing or much smaller than usual. The heart, emotion, and humor of the book takes the reader on the tumultuous journey of what it can be like to live with a child who has special needs or has a disability in an authentic way, but never gives into despair.

“"Milliner has created a memorable story, right from the first sentence. All the characters are vivid and real, and the plot which could be syrupy and sentimental instead offers no sugary-sweet easy answers, just the real magic of family and how we hold each other."-- -Marissa Moss, bestselling author of Amelia's Notebook”

"Hopeful, humorous, and honest all at once, Super Jake & the King of Chaos shows how, even in the most difficult times, a family's love is its own kind of magic."--John David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day
"Milliner has created a memorable story, right from the first sentence. All the characters are vivid and real, and the plot which could be syrupy and sentimental instead offers no sugary-sweet easy answers, just the real magic of family and how we hold each other."--Marissa Moss, bestselling author of Amelia's Notebook
"The Millers' love for one another radiates throughout Ethan's witty, introspective narration. Jake is never a burden; his family members include him in fun activities and everyday life as best they can.... A warm, hopeful debut."---Kirkus Reviews
"There is magic, yes! However, at the heart of this well-paced debut lives an extraordinary family that readers will follow right through to the satisfying finish."--Leslie Connor, National Book Award Finalist, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
"This quiet, powerful book is full of charm and heart, but its real magic is humor. Ethan's wit and tenacity transform the story into something truly powerful, a testimony to how love is always worth the fight, the sacrifice and especially the hope for brighter days. Not once does Ethan feel sorry for himself or his brother; his pity is reserved for those who are unable to see past Jake's differences to what really makes him unique-his incredible ability to choose and create joy. Super Jake & the King of Chaos will fill your soul."--Beth Vrabel, author of Caleb and Kit, The Reckless Club, and the Pack of Dorks series
A strong family story for realistic middle grade fiction shelves.--School Library Journal
Aspiring magician Ethan, 11, learns the true meaning of magic in this charming and heartwarming debut. The author based Jake on her own son, and that portrayal lends authenticity to this funny and moving story.---Booklist, starred review

Naomi Milliner has a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's in Screenwriting from USC Film School. As a long-time member of SCBWI, she created the Authors Book Club (ABC) for published authors and illustrators to share their journey with other members. She has also served on the Women's National Book Association's Great Group Reads Committee since 2009. She lives in Maryland, with her husband and sons.

Ethan loves magic and dreams of being a professional magician one day. The only thing that he loves more is his family, especially his baby brother, Jake, who was born with a neurological disorder that has left him unable to talk or move around on his own. Sometimes life is a little stressful with his parents, little brother, grandparents, and a whole community of specialists and therapists trying to help Jake, but Ethan wouldn't have it any other way. That is until Jake suddenly gets really sick and Ethan's dream of winning a magic competition and performing with his hero, Magnus the Magnificent, are pushed aside. As Ethan struggles with his inability to help his baby brother and his newfound responsibilities, he learns with the help of his family, Jake, and their community that love and hope might be the greatest magic of all. Super Jake & the King of Chaos is loosely based on the Naomi Milliner's experiences with her young son who had "Cerebellar hypoplasia," which is a rare condition where a baby's cerebellum is either missing or much smaller than usual. The heart, emotion, and humor of the book takes the reader on the tumultuous journey of what it can be like to live with a child who has special needs or has a disability in an authentic way, but never gives into despair.

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