Picture a spirited Illinois storyteller who leaped from the gymnastics mat to the bestseller list—meet Julie Cross! Born in 1980, this young adult novelist captured hearts with her thrilling Tempest trilogy, blending time-travel, romance, and pulse-pounding adventure. With a knack for crafting authentic, emotionally charged stories, Cross has become a beloved voice in YA fiction, drawing readers into worlds where love, courage, and resilience shine.
The Making of Julie Cross
Growing up in Central Illinois, Julie Cross was no stranger to discipline and drive. A former gymnast, she channeled her passion for the sport into coaching and even served as a Gymnastics Program Director at the YMCA. Her love for storytelling, however, was a constant undercurrent. It wasn’t until 2009 that Cross took the plunge into writing, fueled by a lifelong devotion to books and a knack for crafting narratives that resonate with teens and adults alike. Her gymnastics background infused her work with vivid, authentic details, setting the stage for her breakout success.
Julie Cross’s Unforgettable Stories
Cross debuted in 2012 with Tempest, the first in a young adult science fiction trilogy that follows time-traveler Jackson Meyer. Praised for its inventive plot and heartfelt romance, the book earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and a 2012 RT Book Reviews nomination. The sequels, Vortex (2013) and Timestorm (2014), deepened the saga’s emotional stakes, cementing Cross’s reputation for blending action with raw human connection.
Beyond sci-fi, Cross’s versatility shines in her gymnastics-themed Letters to Nowhere series, a heartfelt exploration of loss and ambition among elite gymnasts. Her standalone novel Whatever Life Throws at You earned a RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long, showcasing her ability to weave romance with relatable coming-of-age themes. Cross’s writing is marked by dynamic characters, emotional depth, and a knack for capturing the messy, beautiful realities of youth.
From the hockey rinks of the Juniper Falls series to the mysteries of Chasing Truth, Cross’s stories span genres but share a common thread: protagonists who face adversity with grit and heart. Her ability to draw from her own experiences—whether surviving Midwest winters or coaching young athletes—gives her work an authentic edge that resonates with readers worldwide.
Why Julie Cross Matters
Julie Cross’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel both thrilling and deeply personal. Her novels speak to young readers navigating love, loss, and identity, offering heroes who triumph through resilience. Her gymnastics-infused narratives have carved a unique niche in YA fiction, inspiring athletes and dreamers alike. With a growing international fanbase, Cross continues to shape the genre, proving that authentic storytelling transcends borders.
- Born: March 15, 1980, Illinois
- Key Works: Tempest trilogy, Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You
- Awards: RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-proclaimed ponytail and gym shoe addict!
Snag Tempest or Letters to Nowhere and dive into Julie Cross’s vibrant, heartfelt worlds—your next favorite read awaits!