Jo Massaro is an author, Christian speaker, and passionate children’s literacy advocate dedicated to putting inspiring books in the hands of young readers and equipping families to build a lifelong love of reading. Rooted in the belief that stories can open worlds and shape character, Jo founded In Their Hands, Inc., a nonprofit literacy initiative that empowers communities through accessible educational engagement, sensory literacy outreach, and family reading resources.

Before dedicating her work fully to literacy advocacy and writing, Jo worked as a paralegal in New York for ten years. Her journey in community literacy expanded in 2020 through virtual author events and grassroots outreach, sparking a lasting mission to bridge worlds for children and ensure every child experiences the wonder of books.

Jo is also the author of The Compass Chronicles, an expansive 20-volume middle-grade historical fiction and fantasy series launching in 2027. The series follows twelve-year-old KT Hunter and his faithful British bulldog, Winston, who step through time-slip veil doors discovered in an antique family bookstore to uncover forgotten moments in history, navigate moral dilemmas, and witness the power of faith and courage across generations. The debut book, KT Hunter and the Hidden Code, journeys into 1820s France alongside a young Louis Braille, exploring invention, resilience, and tactile codes.

Alongside her nonprofit leadership, Jo directs Jo Massaro Ministries, a faith-centered speaking and writing platform that inspires hope, encourages personal purpose, and fosters meaningful community connection through reflections, author interviews, and biblical teaching.

She is connected to the local Fort Wayne writing community and holds memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW KidLit, ACFW Ohio, the Historical Novel Society (HNS), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and various other writers’ groups and literary organizations.

Jo lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her husband, Dominick, and cherishes family life with their children and grandchildren. In her free time, Jo enjoys cooking alongside Dominick, exploring historical archives, and getting lost in a good book.

Her constant companion through it all is Bella, her beloved rescue dog. Whether she is curled up quietly on the office floor, keeping Jo company while she writes, or eagerly heading out the door for their favorite long walks, Jo treasures every moment with her four-legged writing partner.