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
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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 Secrets 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.
Swimming with Dolphins
The Secrets Necklace
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
Gemini Academy
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
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?
The Luck Necklace
Coming Fall 2022!
The Future Necklace
Coming Fall 2022!
The Crush Necklace
Available at Scholastic Books Fairs
The Luck Necklace
Coming Fall 2022!
The Future Necklace
Coming Fall 2022!
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
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