Julie Halpern is an American author known for her popular young adult novels. A native of the Chicago suburbs, she spent ten years as a school librarian before transitioning to a full-time mom and author. She is married to children’s book author and illustrator Matthew Cordell, with whom she co-created the picture book Toby and the Snowflakes. Together, they have two children, Romy and Dean.

Halpern's debut novel, Get Well Soon, follows the journey of a teenage girl in a mental institution as she deals with depression. Her second novel, Into the Wild Nerd Yonder, explores high school social dynamics through the eyes of a girl who discovers a new group of friends who enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Beyond her novels, Halpern authored Maternity Leave, her first novel for adults, and has written extensively in various forms, including letters and stories for friends. She holds a double major in Communication Arts and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and once lived in Australia on a working holiday visa, which she cites as one of the bravest moves of her life.

In her spare time, Halpern enjoys traveling, indulging in television for grown-ups, and savoring baked goods. Her travels have taken her to forty-six states and several countries, including Australia, Denmark, Italy, England, and Canada. Julie and her family currently reside near the Illinois/Wisconsin border.

Halpern's writing captures the essence of teenage challenges and the concept of being an outsider, drawing parallels to her own experiences and interests.