Journalist
Years of newspaper reporting in California and Nevada trained her ear for detail, her respect for sources, and her belief that ordinary lives carry historic weight.
Jerrianne Hayslett · Author · Journalist · Storyteller
Stories that illuminate history — and the remarkable people who shape it.
Jerrianne Hayslett writes compelling nonfiction that brings history, justice, courage, and the people behind important public events vividly to life.
Photo: Julie Swanson, J and J Double Take Photography
Featured Book
Valiant Vel
Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality
Wisconsin Historical Society Press · Illustrated by Aaron Boyd
Valiant Vel is the first book devoted to the life of Vel Phillips, the groundbreaking Wisconsin civil-rights leader whose perseverance helped transform public life in Milwaukee and beyond.
Drawing on Phillips's own words, historical research, interviews, archival photographs, and illustrations by Aaron Boyd, Jerrianne Hayslett tells a story of courage, persistence, fair housing, and the power of refusing to accept injustice.
“Hayslett details the persistence and courage that Phillips displayed in continuing to press her case.”
Available wherever books are sold.
A Life in Story
Four vantage points on public life.
Jerrianne's writing draws on decades spent close to the people and institutions that shape the news — as a reporter, a court spokesperson, an author, and a speaker.
Public Information Officer
As the Los Angeles County Superior Court's first PIO, she served as liaison between the bench and the press through a decade of nationally watched trials.
Author
Her books — Anatomy of a Trial and Valiant Vel — carry readers behind the headlines and into the chambers, neighborhoods, and choices that shaped events.
Speaker
Jerrianne speaks with schools, libraries, and community groups about civil-rights history, the craft of nonfiction, and the courts-and-media relationship.
Meet the Author
A career close to history as it unfolded.
From newspaper reporting to serving as the Los Angeles County Superior Court's first public information officer, Jerrianne's career has placed her close to history as it unfolded. Her work now invites readers of all ages behind the headlines and into the lives of people whose choices shaped their communities.
Featured Praise
“Hayslett details the persistence and courage that Phillips displayed in continuing to press her case.”
“The new illustrated biography … chronicles the achievements of a civil rights leader who opened many doors.”
Stories that preserve history — and inspire what comes next.
Explore Jerrianne's books, media appearances, and speaking opportunities.