Picture a storyteller who spun tales of magic, mischief, and heart from a farm in Western New York—meet Julie Gardner Berry! This American author has enchanted young readers with her vibrant children’s and young adult novels, earning national acclaim for her lyrical prose and imaginative worlds. From the quirky halls of Splurch Academy to the poignant pages of The Passion of Dolssa, Berry’s stories resonate with readers of all ages.
Born into a book-loving Mormon family, Berry’s journey from rural roots to literary stardom is as captivating as her novels. With a knack for blending humor, history, and heart, she’s become a beloved voice in youth literature, inviting readers to explore worlds where courage and curiosity reign supreme.
The Making of Julie Gardner Berry
Born on September 3, 1974, Julie Gardner Berry grew up as the youngest of seven on a 50-acre farm in Medina, New York. Surrounded by animals, gardens, and a pond teeming with frogs, her childhood was a playground of imagination. A voracious reader, she devoured children’s classics, nurtured by a family that cherished poetry and stories. This idyllic setting sparked her storytelling passion, though it wasn’t until her 30s, after the birth of her fourth son, that she pursued writing professionally. Berry earned a B.S. in communications from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1995, where she met her husband, actor Phil Berry. Later, an M.F.A. from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2008 honed her craft, setting the stage for her literary career.
Julie Gardner Berry’s Unforgettable Stories
Berry’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse tales, each showcasing her ability to weave humor, suspense, and emotional depth. Her debut, The Amaranth Enchantment (2009), is a standalone young adult fantasy that blends fairy-tale charm with gripping adventure. The Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys series (2010–2011), written under her maiden name and illustrated by her sister Sally Faye Gardner, follows mischievous Cody Mack in a monstrous boarding school, delighting middle-grade readers with its playful chaos. All the Truth That’s in Me (2013), her first YA novel, earned starred reviews for its poetic narrative about a silenced girl reclaiming her voice, tackling themes of trauma and resilience.
Perhaps her most celebrated work, The Passion of Dolssa (2016), a Printz Honor recipient, transports readers to medieval France, exploring faith and persecution through luminous prose. Lovely War (2019), a historical romance narrated by Greek gods, captures the heartbreak and hope of World War I, earning seven starred reviews. Berry’s style—lyrical yet accessible—infuses historical and fantastical settings with universal themes, making her stories both timeless and relatable.
Why Julie Gardner Berry Matters
Julie Gardner Berry’s impact extends beyond her books. Her stories empower young readers, particularly girls, to embrace their strength and curiosity, as seen in characters like Maeve Merritt of the Wishes and Wellingtons series. By tackling complex themes like identity, loss, and resilience, she invites readers to reflect on their own lives. Her ownership of Author’s Note, a bookstore in Medina, New York, reflects her commitment to fostering literacy and community. As an executive producer for the upcoming film JITTERBUG, Berry is also preserving cultural histories, like the Black roots of swing dancing, ensuring her influence ripples through multiple mediums.
- Birth Date: September 3, 1974
- Key Works: The Passion of Dolssa, Lovely War, Splurch Academy series
- Awards: Printz Honor (2017), Odyssey Honor (2014), Wall Street Journal Top Ten Children’s Book (2014)
- Fun Fact: Berry once wrote as Lexi Connor for a children’s series!
Ready to dive into a world of magic and mischief? Snag Lovely War or The Passion of Dolssa and let Julie Gardner Berry’s lyrical tales sweep you away!