Jenn Bailey has her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work has received multiple American Library Association’s awards including the Schneider Family Honor Award in January, 2020, the Schneider Family Award (2024), and the Theodor Geisel Honor Award (2024). Her works have also appeared on numerous state lists including Arkansas’ Diamond Award, the Connecticut Nutmeg Award, Florida’s Sunshine State Reader Award, the Kansas Notable Book Award, Michigan’s Great Lakes Great award, Oregon’s Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award, Virginia’s We Can Read list, and Washington’s Otter Award. .
Jenn is a frequent guest lecturer and workshop leader for SCBWI, Heartland Writers for Kids and Teens, and the One Year Adventure Novel workshops. Jenn is published by Chronicle Books, Little Brown Books, Magic Cat Publishing, and Arcadia publishers, and is represented by Erica Rand Silverman of the Stimola Literary Studio.
School Visit Options
I love talking to students and other writers about the writing process, the craft of story, and wonderful reads. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at jenn @ jennbailey.com.
“With sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Bailey explores Henry’s literal-minded, analytical personality and the way it clashes with some of the other children’s dispositions.”
Writing A Book For Kids With Autism Helped A Leawood Author See A ‘Quiet Hero’ In Her Son…
Jenn Bailey’s warmly empathetic story — animated by the simple, bold lines and gentle colors of Mika Song’s illustrations — will remind even very young listeners that everyone makes friends in their own way.
“This is a story that puts them [readers] in Henry’s shoes and lets them think his thoughts, see things from his eyes, and feel what he does.”
“A Friend for Henry offers a sensitive portrayal of a boy who sees things differently — and often quite literally. For children with autism, the book is a mirror; for their peers, a window.”
“A simple, upbeat story that might inspire readers to seek out friendship.”