Jess

Redman

Middle Grade Novelist

Therapist

Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL

“She brings her writing alive through the author visit whether it is in person and/or via Zoom.” — Patrick Andrus, 4th Grade Teacher, Eden Prairie Schools

Jess Redman is a therapist environmental educator, award-winning author of books for young readers. Her first book, The Miraculous, was a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2019, an Amazon Best Book of 2019, and was called “layered, engaging, and emotionally true” in a Kirkus starred review. Her second book, Quintessence, was an NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Book, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2020, and was described as “a fanciful adventure with a rich emotional core and a fairy tale flair” by Publishers Weekly. Her newest book, The Adventure Is Now, was an Amazon Editor’s Pick, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2021, and “a Roald-Dahl-esque delight” according to the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. She also has a picture book, Season of Light, with illustrator Ramona Kaulitzki that explores community, giving, and faith during the Christmas season.

Her books have been translated into multiple languages and featured on state reading lists, and she loves visiting schools to inspire a love of reading and writing.

Jess's Featured Titles

From Brain to Bookshelf: How an Idea Becomes a Book

In this fun and interactive program, Jess will discuss how she became an author, from her early childhood stories through her published books. Students will learn about the writing process, how books are edited, how covers are designed, and much more. Jess will also talk about learning through failing and will motivate students by sharing what everyone with a big goal needs: Perseverance! And, of course, there will be time for Q&A.

Growing a Story: Writing Workshop

It’s the question every author gets: Where do stories come from? In this workshop, students will hear about Jess’s “seeds of inspiration” and then will explore their own—from memories to art to newspapers to dreams to music. Students will then take these inspiration seeds and begin to sprout a story of their own using simple, fun writing exercises and techniques. This workshop can be expanded into multiple sessions.

Diving Into Adventure: A Closer Look at The Adventure Is Now”

This program is perfect following a class or school-wide read of The Adventure Is Now. Jess will talk about the inspiration behind the story, share deleted characters and scenes, and show sketches of the creatures in the field guide. Students will hear about the fascinating research Jess did to create the Lone Island’s unique ecosystem and will have the opportunity to create their own field guide entry. Jess will also share about the story’s video game, Isle of Wild, and talk with students about their own screen time and the adventures they hope to go on. Students will discuss topics including conservation, biodiversity, technology, resilience, courage, and the power of friendship.

Growing Your Light: A Closer Look at Quintessence

This program is perfect following a class or school-wide read of Quintessence. Jess will talk about the inspiration behind the story, share deleted characters and scenes, and show sketches of the map of Four Points. Students will hear about the astronomy and chemistry research Jess did, including discussions of supernovas, runaway stars, and the periodic table of elements. Students will have the opportunity to discuss which element they would be and why (they can take the quiz on Jess’s website ahead of time!) and will discuss topics like honesty, courage, asking for help, and friendship. This program often pairs well with Mind Matters (see below), either the short or longer version.

Finding Your Miracles: A Closer Look at The Miraculous”

This program is perfect following a class or school-wide read of The Miraculous. Jess will talk about the inspiration behind the story, share deleted characters and scenes, and show the book cover in its many stages of development. Students will hear about Jess’s research into folklore and global traditions, which led to the creation of Wunder’s journal, the DoorWay House, and the DoorWay Tree. Students will have the opportunity to create their own journal entry, just like Wunder’s, exploring the things in their lives that bring them hope and that connect them to their families and community.

Mind Matters: The Power of Stories

This program be added to another or can stand alone. During this time, Jess will talk with students about how all her characters have to deal with a big life change and how each one handles those changes in their own way. Students will discuss how the characters’ strengths helped them and what they had to learn throughout the course of the story. Jess will also teach a few simple, age-appropriate skills, such as positive affirmations and breathing techniques. Topics discussed will include facing a challenge, dealing with anxious feelings, asking for help, self-care, and resilience.

Mind Matters: The Power of Stories

In this program for adults (educators, parents, youth advocates), Jess will discuss the role of stories in addressing mental health concerns in young people. Jess is a licensed mental health counselor and her books include issues such as anxiety/panic attacks, grief/loss, divorce, and bullying. Participants will explore how stories about these topics can open up conversations, how they give readers the language to express their own feelings, and how they can introduce healthy coping skills. Participants will learn how to connect with their young readers in real, meaningful ways. Jess will also walk participants through the basics of self-care and some simple coping skills. This program can be tailored to the audience’s specific interests and goals.

“Jess Redman is a talented author and speaker. Her prepared presentation and remarks were right on target for the audience, and she kept the kids excited and engaged. Jess was gracious with her time throughout the event, ensuring that every reader had a chance to ask questions, pose for pictures, and get their books signed.” — NSU Alvin Sherman Library, 2024

“I loved how Jess spoke with candor and compassion about her journey to becoming a writer, as well as on timely topics around self-care. Her remarks and slides were perfect for our middle school audience!” — Michele Weisman, Founder and Executive Director, MEET THE WRITERS, INC.

“Jess Redman did a fabulous virtual author visit with my book club group. We learned secret, author insider information that we wouldn’t have known had we not met with her! Her passion for writing, nature, and people is evident. Her stories are full of just the right mixture of adventure, fun, fantasy, humor, reality, and life.” — Valerie DiLorenzo, School Librarian, Rumsey Hall School

“Not only does Jess Redman have a gift for engaging the reader, but she is also so thoughtful, pleasant, and enjoyable to chat with both on the adult/teacher level and the student/reader level. She brings her writing alive through the author visit whether it is in person and/or via Zoom. Always one of my favorite author chats and I know my students feel the same way.” — Patrick Andrus, 4th Grade Teacher, Eden Prairie Schools

“Jess’s books are filled with hope and wonder and characters to root for! They are reflective of Jess herself—a truly wonderful human being who cares deeply about her audience and creating stories that feed their imaginations and spark their own creativity and curiosity and understanding of others! Jess is an amazing and kind presenter, very attuned to her student audience! Her Brain to Bookshelf presentation was both fun and informative, and most of all it was a total delight for everyone to talk to her about her newest book THE ADVENTURE IS NOW. Everyone has fallen in love with the intrepid Milton P. Greene!” — Joy Preble, Children’s Programming Director, Brazos Bookstore

“Jess Redman does a wonderful job of taking the students through the writing process and provides a realistic number of edits she had to go through before her first book was published. The children really like her as a person. She is so excited to speak with students who have questions and comments about her books. Her website is very interactive, her books are loved by the students, and I would recommend a visit because she is so personable to her audience.” — Annette Burns, 6th Grade Teacher, Springtown Intermediate School

Virtual Visits with Jess

Jess’s Recent News

Jess’s Upcoming Events

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2025 Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee
2020 NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Award
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2019, 2020 and 2021
Amazon Best Book of 2019
Amazon Editor’s Pick, 2019 and 2021
2023 Sunshine State Young Readers Award nominee
2023 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award nominee
2022 Sakura Medal nominee

Media clips

The Palm Beach Post | Tequesta therapist’s new novel tries to show children how to overcome anxiety

Imagination Soup | Chapter Reveal of THE ADVENTURE IS NOW!

Teachers Who Read | The Adventure is Now – Jess Redman

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

Redman

From Brain to Bookshelf: How an Idea Becomes a Book

Growing a Story: Writing Workshop

Diving Into Adventure: A Closer Look at The Adventure Is Now”

Growing Your Light: A Closer Look at Quintessence

Finding Your Miracles: A Closer Look at The Miraculous”

Mind Matters: The Power of Stories

Mind Matters: The Power of Stories

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Media clips

Media Kit

Similar Authors

Related Topics

©2025 AUTHORS UNBOUND AGENCY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS