Julie is the author of My Last Best Friend, a humorous middle-grade novel (Harcourt, Spring 2007) - ISBN: 0-15-205777-3.
Links:
Biography:
Julie Bowe grew up on the shores of Little Butternut Lake, just outside of Luck, Wisconsin, within a Danish-American community called West Denmark. As a young Dane she learned that blue plates are hung on walls, not set on tables, Christmas trees are danced around, and the secret to a great pot of coffee is a raw egg in the grounds. One of her earliest memories is being fed coffee from a teaspoon by her mother. She likes coffee and her mother to this day.
Julie graduated from college with a degree in anthropology and few employment opportunities (her mother was right after all). Since starving was an undesirable option, she took a job as a youth director hoping there would be similarities between prehistoric humans and postmodern junior and senior high school youth. As a youth director, Julie learned a number of new life skills including how to strum a guitar, drive a bus, and play a wicked game of foosball. She also discovered that junior and senior high school youth are deeply compassionate, funny, multi-talented, and not nearly as dusty as prehistoric people.
Julie continued entertaining other peoples’ kids until she decided to raise a couple of her own. She also began writing curriculum for children of all ages, completing dozens of projects over the span of fifteen years. More recently, she began writing and submitting children’s stories for publication. Her first children’s novel, My Last Best Friend, will be published by Harcourt Children’s Books in spring of 2007.
Julie still enjoys working with youth in her community, playing guitar, and beating the pants off any foosball opponent. She has, to the great relief of pre- and post-historic people everywhere, given up bus driving.
Book: My Last Best Friend
Elizabeth Evans was Ida May’s last best friend. They liked all the same things: messy art projects, corny jokes, and mild cheddar cheese.
They promised to be best friends for the rest of their lives. But then Elizabeth moved away, and Ida never heard from her again.
Ida vows never to make another best friend. Ever.
But that’s before a strange new girl moves to town.
Soon she’s smiling right at Ida May.
And Ida has to force herself not to smile back.
Debut author Julie Bowe tells a charming story that will win the heart of any girl who’s faced her fear sideways.
Book Info:
- ISBN (Hardcover): 0-15-205777-3
- ISBN-13 (Hardcover): 978-0-15-205777-0
- Release date: April 1, 2007
- Pages: 160
Reviews:
“…A sweet read with a surprising ending!”
—Discovery Girls magazine (April/May 2007)
“…Funny situations and an appealing heroine with a real problem make this a good first chapter book for early readers.” —BookLoons
“…Ida’s humorous outlook is engaging, and the situation is realistic… Ida’s cleverness and wit in coping with day-to-day problems will certainly appeal. A good selection for reluctant readers as well as those adjusting to the pressures of growing up.” —Kirkus Reviews
“…What a delightful story this is! Julie Bowe has created a thoughtful, funny and realistic look at one girl’s struggles with losing her best friend. Readers will quickly bond with Ida, feeling her pain, sharing her hopes and fears, and urging her to open up for a new relationship. The exciting concept of sharing secret letters with a special someone keeps the pages turning fast, and MY LAST BEST FRIEND ends all too soon. We hope to read more from this talented new author.” —Kidsreads.com
“…Delightful details enhance this friendship story that develops realistically. The engaging cover and quirky font used for the secret notes will appeal to more sophisticated readers who no longer need illustrations. This story is for readers who have graduated from Sara Pennypacker’s “Clementine” stories (Hyperion), Barbara Park’s “Junie B. Jones” series (Random), and Megan McDonald’s “Judy Moody” books (Candlewick).” —School Library Journal
“…In this heartfelt, slice-of-life story, first-time novelist (Julie) Bowe explores both the uncertainties and rewards of friendship… Ida’s hurt at being bullied by Jenna is skillfully evoked, but what readers will feel most strongly is Ida’s yearning to share simple pleasures…with someone special, who likes her just for who she is… Bowe’s characters emerge fully formed. Ida embodies the universal longing to connect with a kindred spirit.” —Publishers Weekly
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Photo Credits:
Headshot ©2005 Doug Knutson
Cover Art Courtesy Harcourt, Inc.
My Last Best Friend