Meet Jennifer Licate
Woman with long wavy hair holding an open book, smiling, standing against a dark wall.

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Licate. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jennifer, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through working as a school counselor. I would use bibliotherapy when I worked with students individually, in small groups and in classroom lessons. I was inspired by how the students responded to these books. The books made complex problems easy to understand. The students were able to put a name to what they were experiencing, know they were not alone in having this problem and learned strategies to improve their situation. When I looked for a book to help students understand ending and changing friendships, I could not find one. I had many students who were hurt by a friendship ending; it felt like a rejection to them. I knew if this book could help my students, it would help many other students so I wrote my first book, “I Lost my BFF.” This was how I found my purpose of writing books focused on teaching tweens and teens about mental health and growing up struggles and the strategies to successfully navigate these complex situations.

Young girl presenting in front of a classroom with a slide titled 'Chapter 1' and a group of children watching.

Woman with long wavy hair holding an open book, smiling, standing against a dark wall.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I write children’s books focused on teaching tweens and teens about mental health and growing up struggles and the strategies to successfully navigate these complex situations. My books are quick-read chapter books and each book has an accompanying Teacher & Counselor Activity Guide so the books are great for educators or parents because they provide follow-up questions to prompt discussion and learning. I have two books series, which includes “Navigating Friendships” and “Nurturing Independence.” These series include 9 books focused on topics such as anxiety, depression, ending friendships, friendship drama, the pressure to fit in and study skills, among others. My 10 book, “The Truancy Files,” will be published Fall 2026.

Woman standing behind a table with books and promotional materials outdoors, trees and a fence in background.

Woman smiling holding two books in front of bookshelves, one yellow and one blue, with illustrated children on covers.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are a desire to learn, the courage to try something new and a passion for my purpose. It can be challenging to start a new journey. There will be times when it feels too hard and so much easier to stick to what you know or something safer. I would encourage anyone who has the desire to try something new to just keep trying, just keep taking little steps and see where it takes you. Learn from those around you who are further along in their journey. Challenge yourself to understand that failure is part of the process but if you never try, you will never know what could have been.

Woman with long wavy hair smiling, holding two children's books, in front of a bookshelf.

Woman standing at front of classroom holding a book, students seated at desks listening, classroom with presentation equipment.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am looking to collaborate with other authors and counselors. I recently reviewed a book for a colleague and it was so rewarding. I was able to share her message and help those in my audience and she will share my message with those in her audience. I love learning from others and sharing information with those who have a similar purpose.

Contact Info:

Collection of colorful educational cards with diverse children and teachers, featuring titles about feelings, words, and classroom activities.

Woman with long wavy hair smiling, sitting on a stool, wearing a white blouse and black pants.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Laura Sadler on Building a Client-Centered Practice Rooted in Trust, Experience, and Personalized Care with Stephen Cawelti

Laura Sadler highlights how a boutique approach allows their firm to prioritize meaningful client relationships

Productivity
Building Blocks of Success: Work Ethic

The ability to work hard has always been underappreciated and devalued by various elements in

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic