Author Archives: Julie Stroebel Barichello

Writers, be your book’s biggest fan

Posted on June 20, 2026 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

I didn’t win the 2026 Newbery Medal. That isn’t a shock — it was, in fact, 99.99% expected, with a 0.01% margin left over for hope. What might be a shock is that I submitted The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill … Continue reading →

Posted in children's literature, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

8 memorable cats in children’s literature

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

Cats make great book characters. They have a reputation for being mysterious, aloof, cunning, mischievous, and occasionally irritating. All of those traits lend themselves to compelling, memorable personalities. Here are eight cats from children’s literature that stand out in my … Continue reading →

Posted in children's literature, Reading | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

6 middle grade books to kick off 2026

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

Happy 2026! With the start of a new year, people turn their focus to resolutions, self-improvement, and positive change in the world around them. Those concepts aren’t exclusive to adults, and they also aren’t exclusive to January. Here are six … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Three years after Hocus Pocus 2 was released, I’m ready to talk about it

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

Lately I started to ask myself: Was Hocus Pocus 2 really as disappointing as I remembered it? I never rewatched it after that first screening. So three years later, I decided to give it another try—and I discovered my initial reaction might have been too hasty. Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Giveaway! Request an ARC of The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

We’re a little over three months away from the release of The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill. That means it’s time to give away advanced reader copies! I’m distributing free digital ARCs (available in epub or PDF) in exchange for honest … Continue reading →

Posted in children's literature | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment