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Jessica Scott Kerrin

Author

 

Member profile details

First Name
Jessica Scott
Last Name
Kerrin
Province or Territory
Nova Scotia
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jessicakerrin
 

Professional information

Bio
Halifax-based Jessica Scott Kerrin is the best-selling author of 16 works of fiction (middle readers, chapter books and a picture book). Her latest novel, Clear Skies, takes place during the 1960s Space Race to the moon. Jessica has mentored many writers, she’s toured hundreds of schools and libraries across Canada and the United States, she teaches writing workshops for teens and adults, and her books have been translated into six languages. In addition to writing, Jessica has managed galleries, dance schools and museums, and worked with artists, performers and curators, all of whom have inspired Jessica’s stories. Other sources of inspiration include her boy, her bird dog, and her boat aptly named Cape Fear.
Available For
Library and classroom presentations (virtual and in-person)
Literary festivals, conferences and writing workshops (for both adults and children)
School Visits
Jessica’s jam-packed presentation to young writers is a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday experiences that she writes stories about. She includes props, audience participation, a short reading and video clips sure to keep students engaged and glued to their seats. They will learn how to identify sources around them for creative inspiration, understand how brainstorming works to launch a writing assignment, discover how to take an idea and shape it into a story, and develop an appreciation for editing and good writing habits.

Jessica is also pleased to deliver virtual presentations via platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet. Fees will be reduced to reflect no travel time.

Reported outcomes following her visits include an increase in library borrowing, an enhanced understanding of the writing process, a surge in creativity, and, the application of new techniques for creative writing. Often, students will declare that they'll be writers when they grow up, too!

For grades K-3: SENSES. Jessica's new picture book, The Better Tree Fort, will be featured. She shares an interest in birding with the characters in this story. She will include a fun mini-lesson about local bird songs during her presentation that encourages young writers to use all their senses.

For grades 4-6: DETAILS. Jessica's new novel, Clear Skies, is a historic novel that depicts the 1960s space race to the Moon. She will use this story to demonstrate the importance of including accurate facts and engaging details for better fiction.

For grades 4-6: FUNNY STORY IDEAS. In this presentation, Jessica shares where she comes up with ideas for funny stories and how to write them using her favourite types of humour. She also include some pitfalls to avoid.

Maximum number of students per session: 40 – 200 (flexible)

Preferred venues: library or auditorium work best

Equipment requirements: The venue will provide a table for Jessica’s equipment, a microphone for groups over 100, and a screen or whiteboard. Jessica brings the rest (her own projector, speakers, and laptop).
Publications
Clear Skies, Groundwood Books, 2019

The Better Tree Fort, Groundwood Books, 2018

The Things Owen Wrote, Groundwood Books, 2017

The Missing Dog is Spotted, Groundwood Books, 2015

The Spotted Dog Last Seen, Groundwood Books, 2013

The Lobster Chronicles: Spit Feathers
Kids Can Press, 2013

The Lobster Chronicles: A Narrow Escape
Kids Can Press, 2013

The Lobster Chronicles: Lower the Trap
Kids Can Press, 2012

Martin Bridge: Onwards and Upwards!
Kids Can Press, 2009

Martin Bridge: In High Gear!
Kids Can Press, 2008

Martin Bridge: The Sky's the Limit!
Kids Can Press, 2008

Martin Bridge: Out of Orbit!
Kids Can Press, 2007

Martin Bridge: Sound the Alarm!
Kids Can Press, 2007

Martin Bridge: Blazing Ahead!
Kids Can Press, 2006

Martin Bridge: On the Lookout!
Kids Can Press, 2005

Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!
Kids Can Press, 2005
Awards
Shortlisted for the Blue Spruce Award, 2019 for: The Better Tree Fort

Shortlisted for the Rocky Mountain Book Award, 2015
For: The Spotted Dog Last Seen

Shortlisted for the Manitoba Young Readers Award, 2015
For: The Spotted Dog Last Seen

Shortlisted for the John Spray Mystery Award, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2014
For: The Spotted Dog Last Seen

Shortlisted for the Best Children's Book Award, Canadian Library Association, 2014
For: The Spotted Dog Last Seen

Top 100 Books for 2013, New York Public Library, 2013
For: The Spotted Dog Last Seen

Best Books of Exceptional Caliber, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, 2012
For: Lower the Trap

2010 Canadian Children's Book Centre "Best Books of Exceptional Caliber"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: Onwards and Upwards!

2009 Canadian Children's Book Centre "Best Books of Exceptional Caliber"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: In HIgh Gear!

2009 Canadian Children's Book Centre "Best Books of Exceptional Caliber"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: The Sky's the Limit!

2008 Junior Library Guild "Premier Select Award"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: In High Gear!

2008 Canadian Children's Book Centre "Best Books of Exceptional Caliber"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: Out of Orbit!

2006 American Library Association "Notable Books of 2006"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!

2005 The Hornbook "The Best of 2005"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!

2005 New York City Library "Top Books of 2005"
Category: Writing
For: Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!
Other Memberships
Canadian Children's Book Centre
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia
Writers' Union of Canada
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

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