Julie is a new central character in the American Girl series.  The setting is 1970s California.

Many changes have disrupted Julie’s life in San Francisco.  Her parents have recently divorced, so Julie and her mother and sister have just moved across town into an apartment.  The apartment is located above her mother’s trendy shop, Glad Rags.  Julie can only visit her Dad and her best friend Ivy on the weekends. 

The move also means a new school.  Julie finds life in her fourth grade classroom at Jack London Elementary School difficult at first.  Her teacher is very strict, and most of the girls aren’t very friendly.  Then Julie meets a boy named T.J., and the two new friends enjoy playing basketball together.  Julie wants more than anything to play on the school’s basketball team, but girls are not allowed.

Eventually, Julie learns to adapt to the changes in her life and to fight for the things she wants most.
More books about Julie:

1. Julie Tells Her Story
2. Happy New Year, Julie
3. Julie and the Eagles
4. Julie’s Journal