Jessica Speer author page

Jessica Speer biography

Jessica Speer is an author of nonfiction books for children and teenagers. Her work focuses on friendship, middle school, screen habits, digital safety and social-emotional learning.

Speer has a master’s degree in social sciences. Her first book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships, grew out of a friendship programme she developed and ran for children.

Her second book, Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised, was based on conversations with hundreds of middle school students about their experiences. The book uses illustrated scenarios and activities to explore friendship, judgement, drama and self-understanding during the middle school years.

Speer also wrote The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand, published by Familius in 2023. The book introduces young readers to healthy phone habits, online safety, digital citizenship and the social pressures linked with mobile phone use.

The Phone Book received a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award silver medal and a 2025 Purple Dragonfly Book Award.