June was born in New York City and grew up in San Diego, California. She received her degrees from U. C. Berkeley and Columbia University. At San Diego State University, June specializes in children's literature. Her research interests within this topic include American children's literature, multiculturalism, national identity, consumerism, Jewish children's literature, and of course, Sydney Taylor. She has published articles on Taylor, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Curious George, Harry Potter, Beatrix Potter, and the book Understood Betsy. Currently, she is writing a biography of Sydney Taylor. June is married and has three sons.