Jason June ’13 (Journalism), M.A. ’16 (English Literature) always loved storytelling — but it was a single class, taken to fulfill a graduation requirement, that changed the course of his life and career. That children’s literature course introduced him to the magic of writing for children and young adults — and lit the artistic spark that shaped everything that followed.
Originally from Washington state, June transferred to CSUN to pursue a degree in journalism.
“The journalism department has a fantastic reputation, and the faculty totally lived up to that standard,” he said. But as he explored the field, he realized something was missing. “After diving into the world of news, I realized that it wasn’t necessarily the industry best suited for my personality — [who] likes to look on the bright side, when news is almost always about things that aren’t going so brightly.”
Everything changed when he took ENGL 428: Children’s Literature with professor Tina Bertacchi-Love.
“I discovered how much I really enjoyed the messages of hope you can find in literature — and specifically children’s literature — so I decided to get my master’s degree through the English department, so I could get more of that mood-boosting goodness.”
During his graduate program, June continued to nurture that spark with courses such as Coming-of-Age Literature and Picture Book Theory, which provided a foundation for his future success. “Those classes really showed me how layered and deep children’s books can be, and helped me add more substance to my work,” he said. Mentorship played a key role in his growth as a writer.
“I cannot give big enough shout-outs to Tina Bertacchi-Love and Dr. Jackie Stallcup for all they did, encouraging my writing and supporting my books,” he said. “They both taught me that while the world at large can underestimate the power of kid lit, there is real value in the creation of work for kids and teens.”
Anybody can be a student, even if they don’t fit the stereotypical mold of what it looks like to be a person in college. At first, I was embarrassed to be 25 and still working on my undergrad, but CSUN taught me there isn’t one way to be a student – Jason June
Even after achieving recognition as a New York Times best-selling author — with 12 books published in five years, including “Out of the Blue,” “Jay’s Gay Agenda” and the “Spells We Cast” duology (a pair of related novels) — June remains connected to the CSUN professors who supported his path to success.
“I still talk to them today, almost a decade after receiving my master’s degree, and to know they’re always there cheering me on means the world to me,” he said.
The author’s time at CSUN also inspired him to give back. He created the Joan Nessan Creative Writing Prize in Children’s Literature in honor of his grandmother.
“One of my favorite parts about CSUN is that there’s this whole ethos of: Anybody can be a student, even if they don’t fit the stereotypical mold of what it looks like to be a person in college,” he said. “At first, I was embarrassed to be 25 and still working on my undergrad, but CSUN taught me there isn’t one way to be a student.
“By giving this scholarship out to writers of children’s lit, I hope to help shed light on how meaningful and impactful children’s literature can be,” he added.
For aspiring authors, June offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Only write what’s entertaining to you,” he said, emphasizing that the joy of creating should always come first.
“Creating art should first and foremost be fun for the creator … When you focus on your enjoyment during the writing period, it will be so clear to the reader and will pull them along for the ride,” June said.
He has branched out to work on projects beyond children’s lit, including a potential new writing genre and television. “I’m in this magical time right now after releasing 12 books in the last five years, where I’m not under contract … I’m working on what I hope will become my adult romance debut, as well as fine-tuning some sitcom pilots that I’d like to get off the ground,” June said.
From CSUN classrooms to bookshelves across the country, June’s career journey is a testament to the transformative power of finding your voice — and the people who believe in it. If you’re dreaming of telling your own story, building your creative career or simply discovering what lights you up — CSUN could be the place where your path begins. Learn more about applying to CSUN and start writing your own success story.
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