Jessica Fries-Gaither

Jessica Fries-Gaither is an experienced science educator and an award-winning author of books for students and teachers. Her 20-plus year teaching career spans elementary school through middle school science and math, three states, and Catholic, public, and independent schools. Additionally, she spent five years in the College of Education and Human Ecology, School of Teaching and Learning at The Ohio State University where she directed NSF-funded projects and provided professional development for elementary and middle school teachers. Jessica is a reviewer for NSTA’s elementary journal, Science and Children, and has served on several NSTA advisory boards. Jessica presents at local, regional, and national conferences and teaches preservice elementary science and social studies methods in Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education program. Jessica lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and four dogs.

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Interview

What was your favorite book when you were a child?

This isn’t a fair question—there are just too many! One that I adored and read over and over with my mom was A Time To Keep by Tasha Tudor.

What’s your favorite line from a book?

“When you’re unsure of yourself,” she said, “when you start pulling back into doubt and small living, she’s the one inside saying, ‘Get up from there and live like the glorious girl you are.’ She’s the power inside you, you understand?” ~August Boatwright
― Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees

Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?

Again, I have a hard time with favorites because there are just too many. Three I love:
Jhumpa Lahiri (adult books)
Bill Bryson (adult nonfiction)
Grace Lin (children’s books)

Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?

I’ve always loved to write, but now I see writing as an extension of my teaching career. I want to help as many people marvel at the wonder of our natural world and work to protect it.

Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?

Read, read, read!
Work hard!
Be patient.
Find people who lift you up in the hard moments.