Julie K. Rubini

Julie loves to share inspiring stories and amazing subjects in her books for younger readers. She is the author of the biographies Virginia Hamilton: America's Storyteller, named to Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books, 2018 edition, Eye to Eye: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan, and Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist. Julie also wrote Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing, and Hidden Ohio. In 2021, Julie had the privilege of serving as the editor of Virginia Hamilton: Five Novels, published by the Library of America. Julie and her husband established Claire’s Day, a children’s book festival in honor of their daughter. This celebration of Claire’s love for reading has grown to a week-long celebration, impacting over 20,000 children and family members, and is gaining national attention. The festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022. Julie loves encouraging children to learn to read and volunteers for Creating Young Readers. But most of all, she cherishes her roles as wife to Brad and mother to daughter Kyle, and son Ian. Julie and Brad received the Maumee Chamber of Commerce Hometown Hero Award (2010) Julie was honored with the prestigious Toledo Area Jefferson Award (2015), and selected by a committee from the national offices to attend the convention in Washington D.C. Julie is also the recipient of the UT Outstanding Alumnus Award (2015) and the YWCA Milestones Award in the category of Education (2016).