Tag Archives: books

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

It’s finally happening! New book coming in November

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

Ten years. That’s how long it’s been since Sarah & Katy and the Book of Blank was published. It was my sophomore children’s book, independently published in November 2015. Riding the high of a recently released novel, I immediately started … Continue reading →

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

Why you should be reading aloud with older kids, too

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Julie Stroebel Barichello

I clearly remember the first time I read the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. I was about 9 years old, tucked away in the odds-and-ends room of my childhood home, surrounded by shelves and Sterilite plastic totes filled … Continue reading →

Posted in Children and Family, Reading | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment