Jessica Speer is an award-winning author of books for kids and teens. Blending social science, stories, and fun activities, her writing unpacks tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and explores topics in ways that connect with kids.
NEW RELEASE! 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.
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 (Social Issues Category)
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 – Silver (Kids Activity Book Category)
Jessica Speer’s Latest Blog Posts
How to Talk to Kids About Digital Footprints
How can parents talk to kids about digital footprints so they actually listen? How can caregivers explore online reputations in a way that connects with teens? This post explores these questions and more. Many parents are concerned that their child or teen might post something they later regret or that will negatively impact their future.…
3 Words Tech-Savvy Kids Understand
Kids become more informed tech consumers when they understand the tech business model. This article, inspired by The Phone Book – Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand, shares 3 words tech-savvy kids understand. Over the past decade, anxiety surpassed depression as the most common reason…
5 Family Conversations that Support Kids Healthy Screen Habits
This post shares five family conversations about technology and devices that help kids build healthy screen habits. Helping kids develop safe and healthy screen habits is a cornerstone of parenting today. Conversations about digital footprints, stranger danger, screen addiction, and more are common in families as parents try to keep their kids safe. While researching…