Huntington Beach-based author Julia Walton, known for her thought-provoking works for young readers, is back with her latest novel, Weirdly Walter. The book, aimed at middle-grade readers, delivers a poignant narrative about love, empathy, and the complexities of family life.
Walton, a Chapman University and UC Irvine alum, has previously authored several novels for older kids and young adults. Her debut young adult novel, Words on Bathroom Walls, was adapted into a feature film. With her fourth book, Walton shifts her focus to a younger audience, crafting the story of Walter, a charming yet deeply relatable fifth grader.
The story centers on Walter, a young boy who has always relied on his father as his hero and idol. But when Walter moves to a new town and starts a new school without his dad, his world is turned upside down. As Walter adjusts to his new life, his past begins to catch up with him, challenging his perceptions of family, love, and self-identity.
Walton’s latest work tackles some of life’s more difficult truths, while also offering moments of lighthearted humor. In an exclusive interview, she shared the inspiration behind the novel and what she hopes readers will take away from the story.
A Story of Flaws and Forgiveness
In Weirdly Walter, the protagonist is sent to live with his grandfather when his father leaves for what he tells Walter is “work,” but in reality, he is going to rehab. According to Walton, the novel touches on the theme that sometimes our heroes, including parents, are far from perfect. “It’s a story about how sometimes our grown-ups have deep flaws, and we learn to embrace those flaws and love them despite their imperfections,” she said. “Kids often have people in their lives who are struggling with things they can’t see, and that’s the central theme of the book.”
Inspiring Young Readers to Find Joy
Walton hopes that young readers will be inspired by Walter’s journey. “I want kids to be themselves and to find the things that bring them joy,” Walton explained. “Too often, young people are pushed onto a predetermined track, but I want them to explore and discover what makes them happy, especially at this stage in life. I think the biggest takeaway would be that I want them to reach for joy and to find their voice.”
Writing as Therapy and Connection
For Walton, writing is a deeply personal experience. She describes it as a form of therapy, a way to express herself and better understand her own thoughts and feelings. “It’s a very freeing thing to be able to get all your thoughts out onto paper,” she shared. “I’m constantly surprised by how many gifts are given to me after I put a story into the world.”
One of the greatest joys for Walton is seeing her own children engage with her work. Weirdly Walter marks a significant milestone for the author, as it is the first book her kids are old enough to read. “Watching my daughter read it and laugh—that’s how it gets any better,” she said, with a smile.
Drawing from Personal Experience
When asked about her creative process, Walton explained that many of her ideas are inspired by her own childhood experiences. “Sometimes I think about an experience I had as a kid and how I could create a character that makes that experience more accessible to others,” she said. “A lot of real-life experience is woven into the story, but not everything is pulled directly from real life. It’s kind of a memory recording for me—a way to go back and revisit the story and realize that while it may be fictional, it started with a seed of something real.”
Weirdly Walter is available now and promises to resonate with readers of all ages, offering a blend of humor, heart, and tough life lessons wrapped up in an unforgettable story.
