Jessica Speer is an award-winning author of books for kids and teens. Blending social science, stories, and fun activities, her writing and presentations explore tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and is completing a second master’s degree in mental health counseling.
The Phone Book
Book Summary: So . . . you got a phone! You can text your friends, play games, and take cool pictures! You have the whole world in your pocket—power to be used as a force for good or, um, not so good.
But have no fear —The Phone Book is here! Packed with research-based explanations, techy tidbits, and stories, this book explores healthy phone habits and ways to stay safe online. Plus, fun activities and secret codes reveal the power of your phone and your superpowers to wield it as a force for good.
*2023-2025 Librarian Favorites Award Winner
Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised
Book Summary: Yes, there are cool things about middle school, like more independence, new friends, and new activities. But there’s baffling stuff too, like harsh judgment, the whole “popularity” thing, and, of course, drama. With fun illustrations and choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios, this book will help you deal with the drama and define who you are when things get, well, weird.
*2023 Colorado Book Award Finalist
*2023 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner
BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)?
A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships
Book Summary: Packed with fun quizzes, colorful illustrations, and stories about girls just like you, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships is the ultimate interactive guidebook to help readers learn the ins and outs of friendship. Explore topics such as gossip, drama, and feeling left out, along with ways to strengthen the friendships that mean the most to you.
*2022 Kids Book Choice Award Finalist
*2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner
Jessica Speer’s Latest Blog Posts
3 Steps Before Giving Your Child a Phone
What is the appropriate age to give your child a phone? Are there steps you should take before this milestone? What rules should be in place for your child’s first phone? Parents today face these tough questions and more. This post shares three things you can do to help your child and your family prepare…
5 Steps to Start a Friendship Group for Kids
My first book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends), grew out of a kids’ friendship program I ran in schools with small groups of students. Participants gained social awareness and skills alongside their peers through activities and conversations in a fun, supportive environment. These friendship groups typically met weekly for six to eight weeks. It’s…
Help! I Gave My Kid a Phone Without Rules.
Recently, a parent asked me this question: “I gave my kid a cell phone without establishing rules first. It’s not going well. She is glued to her phone night and day. Is it too late to put rules in place?” The good news is that it is not too late to implement new phone rules…