Biography
Surrounded by shipyards, marinas and fog in the port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jessica became fascinated by the rich history of her province while traveling up and down the coastline aboard her family’s boat and visiting museums in fishing communities along the way. There was one artifact in particular that recently caught her attention. It featured an arrangement of lobster claws glued to a plaque, surrounded by a rope frame, and must have been made by a former cannery worker. Jessica loved the idea of someone making artwork from modest materials in less-than-ideal conditions.#When asked what sparked her interest in giant lobsters, she noted that when fishermen came across them from time to time, the rare occurrence always captured the public’s attention. These huge crustaceans are not particularly attractive creatures, nor are they endangered, and yet they command a considerable amount of respect, given their extremely advanced age. In fact, the largest lobster ever caught was off Nova Scotia’s coast back in 1977. It weighed 44 pounds and was possibly as old as 100 years!#Jessica recognizes that featuring a giant lobster is unusual in the world of children’s literature. However, she’s quite fond of lobsters. Her husband makes delicious lobster bisque.#Considered an expert on what boys read, Jessica is best known for her award-winning and highly acclaimed eight-book series for boys called “Martin Bridge.” Having sold over 140,000 copies to date, these chapter books were inspired by the adventures of her husband and son.
Awards
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Martin Bridge: Onwards and Upwards!
2010 - Best Books for Kids & Teens, Starred Selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Winner
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Martin Bridge: In High Gear!
2009 - Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Winner
2009 - Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, , Short-listed
2007 - Junior Library Guild Premier Selection, , Winner
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Martin Bridge: The Sky’s the Limit!
2009 - Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Winner
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Martin Bridge: Blazing Ahead!
2007 - Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award, , Short-listed
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Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!
2007 - Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award, American Library Association, Short-listed
2006 - Notable Children’s Book, , Winner
Early Chapter Books
Martin Bridge: On the Lookout!,
Martin Bridge: Out of Orbit!, 2007
The Lobster Chronicles: A Trilogy, 2013
Martin Bridge: Onwards and Upwards!, 2009
Martin Bridge: In High Gear!, 2008
Martin Bridge: The Sky’s the Limit!, 2008
Martin Bridge: Sound the Alarm!, 2007
Martin Bridge: Blazing Ahead!, 2006
Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!, 2005