Jennifer Phillips

My mission is to help kids discover who they are, what they’re capable of and how they can fit in the world, no matter what their current circumstances. My work in healthcare, behavioral health, and the non-profit world, along with my personal experience raising a child with disabilities, inspires me to write stories for young readers with creativity and determination.

I've been able to try many fun and interesting things so far in my life. For example, I started out reporting on crime and court stories, hanging out in police labs before shows like CSI made crime investigation so popular. I've ridden in helicopters while doing public relations for an aircraft manufacturer and watched surgeries as part of my work in healthcare.

My husband and I have always been big on travel, going near or far depending on the time and money we have. Our family loves exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest (yes, we've been to Forks, Washington, home of the famous Twilight series), nearby Canada and the Western states. But travel has also taken me to Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, Greece, Australia, China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. I hope to see more of the world when I can!

I grew up in Alton, Illinois and this Midwestern upbringing in the 1960s and 1970s has been fueling some of my writing projects. Two of my biographies are "hometown-inspired" projects--the stories of Elijah Lovejoy and Robert Wadlow. But I don't limit myself to my own backyard. You often can find great stories right under your nose.

Visit my website for free book extras.