Jessie Paddock
Middle Grade Author
“Through detailed imagery, the use of hashtag vocabulary, and the unique juxtaposition of the dolphins with KT’s own journey, Paddock has created a well-rounded and fun story that middle grade readers will enjoy. VERDICT Sweet, inspirational realistic fiction for anyone who has had to start over again." -- School Library Journal
“Paddock sympathetically explores homesickness and the anxious awkwardness of making friends...Readers taking the plunge into new activities or new places will appreciate this uplifting tale.” -- Kirkus Reviews
Order Now!
About
Jessie Paddock is the author of Gemini Academy, The Crush Necklace, The Secrets Necklace, Swimming with Dolphins, The Luck Necklace (2022), and The Future Necklace (2022), all published by Scholastic. Jessie is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and The New School’s Writing for Children MFA program. She’s lived in New York City for a while now, though she still sometimes misses her hometown of Atlanta. Jessie loves soccer, ice cream cones with extra sprinkles, and riding her bike to places she’s never been.
Books
Swimming with Dolphins
When 12-year-old KT Wynn learns that she has to move from Iowa City to Florida, she’s distraught. Not only does she have to leave behind her best friends and the only home she’s ever known, she also has to deal with being the new kid in school. And she’s especially worried about how her wheelchair, Sprinkles, will affect things. On the bright side, she’ll still have her big sister, Lucy, with her, and she’ll even get to see a dolphin-her favorite animal!-for the very first time. In fact, KT has always dreamed of swimming with a dolphin, and with the help of her sister, she’s determined to make it happen. But when she meets Cola for the first time, he’s not what she expected. Will KT be able to overcome her fear and gain the confidence to take the plunge?
The Luck Necklace
What if you had all the luck in the world?
Mia Zornberg is cursed with bad luck, which is not what you want when you’re in a band — especially with the big Battle of the Bands competition just around the corner!
When Mia stumbles upon a magic necklace, everything starts going her way. But as Mia grows more dependent on her necklace, she becomes less confident in her own talent. Will she still be able to steal the show?
The Future Necklace
What if you could see into the future?
Ellie Greene feels more at home in the pool than on land. But as the big swim meet against her school’s rivals nears, she doesn’t feel as confident as she once did.
That’s when Ellie discovers a magic necklace that shows her glimpses of the future. Now Ellie can see how she’ll fare in upcoming races! Trouble is, not everything is as it seems. Will she still be able to go for the gold?
Swimming with Dolphins
When 12-year-old KT Wynn learns that she has to move from Iowa City to Florida, she’s distraught. Not only does she have to leave behind her best friends and the only home she’s ever known, she also has to deal with being the new kid in school. And she’s especially worried about how her wheelchair, Sprinkles, will affect things. On the bright side, she’ll still have her big sister, Lucy, with her, and she’ll even get to see a dolphin-her favorite animal!-for the very first time. In fact, KT has always dreamed of swimming with a dolphin, and with the help of her sister, she’s determined to make it happen. But when she meets Cola for the first time, he’s not what she expected. Will KT be able to overcome her fear and gain the confidence to take the plunge?
The Luck Necklace
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
What if you had all the luck in the world?
Mia Zornberg is cursed with bad luck, which is not what you want when you’re in a band — especially with the big Battle of the Bands competition just around the corner!
When Mia stumbles upon a magic necklace, everything starts going her way. But as Mia grows more dependent on her necklace, she becomes less confident in her own talent. Will she still be able to steal the show?
The Future Necklace
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
What if you could see into the future?
Ellie Greene feels more at home in the pool than on land. But as the big swim meet against her school’s rivals nears, she doesn’t feel as confident as she once did.
That’s when Ellie discovers a magic necklace that shows her glimpses of the future. Now Ellie can see how she’ll fare in upcoming races! Trouble is, not everything is as it seems. Will she still be able to go for the gold?
The Secrets Necklace
What are they really thinking?
Penny Hoppe isn’t having much fun in middle school, but now her luck might be changing: her new necklace is a mind reader! Whenever she wears it, Penny can hear the thoughts of those around her – and their innermost secrets.
Can she use her new power to finally fit in? Or will she uncover more than she bargained for?
The Crush Necklace
What if you could know how your crush feels about you?
Ramona “Moni” Hayes and her best friend, Grace, think the vintage necklace they find at the thrift store is cute—but what they don’t realize is that it has special powers. That is, not until Moni puts it on and finds out she can tell how her secret crush, Johnny Shim, feels about her! Obviously, Moni has to use the necklace to win Johnny’s affections. But as her obsession with the necklace increases, so does the tension between Grace and Moni. Will winning her crush mean losing her best friend?
Gemini Academy
At Gemini Academy, everyone is a twin. The Sun twins love tradition, organization, and being model students in Sun School while, naturally, the Moon twins love chaos and breaking the rules.
Everything works smoothly until twins Gloria and Greta feel out of sorts in their respective schools. When they decide to switch places, chaos ensues and things start getting weird: cloudiness in Sun School and flowers in Moon School?! Can the students come together to ultimately create harmony? Presented in a fun, magic sequin format.
The Secrets Necklace
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
What are they really thinking?
Penny Hoppe isn’t having much fun in middle school, but now her luck might be changing: her new necklace is a mind reader! Whenever she wears it, Penny can hear the thoughts of those around her – and their innermost secrets.
Can she use her new power to finally fit in? Or will she uncover more than she bargained for?
The Crush Necklace
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
What if you could know how your crush feels about you?
Ramona “Moni” Hayes and her best friend, Grace, think the vintage necklace they find at the thrift store is cute—but what they don’t realize is that it has special powers. That is, not until Moni puts it on and finds out she can tell how her secret crush, Johnny Shim, feels about her! Obviously, Moni has to use the necklace to win Johnny’s affections. But as her obsession with the necklace increases, so does the tension between Grace and Moni. Will winning her crush mean losing her best friend?
Gemini Academy
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
At Gemini Academy, everyone is a twin. The Sun twins love tradition, organization, and being model students in Sun School while, naturally, the Moon twins love chaos and breaking the rules.
Everything works smoothly until twins Gloria and Greta feel out of sorts in their respective schools. When they decide to switch places, chaos ensues and things start getting weird: cloudiness in Sun School and flowers in Moon School?! Can the students come together to ultimately create harmony? Presented in a fun, magic sequin format.
School Visits
I’d love to visit your school - librarians and educators, please reach out!
I have five years experience working as a teaching artist at numerous public elementary and middle schools throughout the New York City area. I lead both interactive presentations and writing workshops and am happy to tailor the visit based on specific needs and interests. Past writing workshops include: Research and Fiction Go Together Like…(finding inspiration from facts), How to Start: relying on your inner expert, and collaborative storytelling activities.
To account for COVID precautions, I will be doing virtual visits via Zoom, Skype, or any other platform most convenient for the school.
For rates and scheduling inquiries, please email hello@jessiepaddock.com
Testimonials
Jessie visiting my 4th graders was one of the highlights of the class’s year! The students LOVED having the opportunity to hear Jessie discuss her job as an author. During this visit Jessie walked the class through her writing process with clear descriptions of the different steps, real life photos and funny anecdotes. Through this focus, Jessie helped the students see that the steps they are asked to complete when writing at school are the real life steps that professional writers take. This helped the students gain a better understanding of the purpose of each step in their writing process and motivated them to write more. Jessie’s visit really showed my class how fun and rewarding writing can be. Students loved looking at the books Jessie had written, and getting the opportunity to ask her questions! At the end of the visit Jessie signed books and surprised the students with stickers. To say this author visit was an experience my students will remember is an understatement!
Testimonials
My 3rd and 4th graders loved meeting with author Jessie. Jessie came on a day that could have been a tough sell for kids’ attention (it was an early release day) and engaged them beautifully. She told great stories about how she attacks the writing process, had visuals to support what she talked about, and allowed for student participation (a must!). The kids eagerly asked questions throughout our time together and then, created a wait list to read our two copies of Gemini Academy when she left. They also loved hearing about Jessie’s experiences as a student (particularly as a student of our school). We recommend her to any aged class!
Hey there!
I'd love to hear from you! Use this form to send me a message. For information about author visits or rights inquiries, please email
hello@jessi.kmjbydesign.com
Contact
Jessie Paddock © 2022