Julie Marie Albright is a young girl growing up in San Francisco, California in 1974–75. Her six book series, written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Robert Hunt, focuses on various changes and societal upheavals in American society during that time period: divorce, feminism, gender equality in school sports, environmentalism, and the disability rights movement. The America's Bicentennial celebration is also emphasized later in the series. Julie was released September 10, 2007 and is the first character portrayed from a divorced family by American Girl. In 2008, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas reported that she was outlining a movie proposal based on Julie's story. In December 2009, "Julie: An American Girl Musical" was officially announced as a planned theatrical release; as of 2022, little, if any, development has been made over the musical. In lieu of this, a short independent film was uploaded on American Girl's YouTube account, starring Jolie Ledford in the title role. She was portrayed by Hannah Nordberg in her best friend Ivy's movie: "Ivy & Julie: A Happy Balance."