Jerry Spinelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Spinelli
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Spinelli in 2008
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| Born | February 1, 1941 Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Genre | Children's and young-adult novels |
| Notable works | |
| Notable awards | Newbery Medal 1991 |
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Jerry Spinelli was born on February 1, 1941. He is an American writer who creates novels for children and young adults. His books often explore what it's like to be a teenager. Some of his most famous stories include Maniac Magee, Stargirl, and Wringer.
About Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He now lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. When he was 16, he loved sports. He wrote a poem about a football game his team won. His dad secretly published it in the local newspaper! That's when Jerry realized he probably wouldn't become a baseball star. So, he decided to become a writer instead.
His College Days
Jerry went to Gettysburg College. There, he spent his time writing short stories. He was also the editor of the college's literary magazine, The Mercury. After college, he worked for a department store magazine. For the next 20 years, he had "normal jobs" during the day. This way, he had energy to write his stories in his free time. He would write during lunch, on weekends, and after dinner.
Becoming a Children's Author
At first, Jerry wrote novels for adults. But all of them were turned down by publishers. His fifth novel was also meant for adults. However, it ended up becoming his first children's book! This book, Space Station Seventh Grade, was published in 1982.
Jerry graduated from Gettysburg College in 1963. He earned his master's degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1964. In 1977, he married Eileen Mesi. She is also a children's writer, known as Eileen Spinelli. They have six children and 21 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli's Books
Jerry Spinelli has written many popular books for young readers. His stories often feature characters who are trying to find their place in the world.
- Space Station Seventh Grade (1982)
- Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? (1984)
- Maniac Magee (1990) – This book won the Newbery Medal. It's about a boy who becomes a legend.
- There's a Girl in My Hammerlock (1991)
- Crash (1996)
- Wringer (1997) – This book was honored as a Newbery Honor book.
- Knots in My Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid (1998)
- Stargirl (2000) – This book is about a unique girl who changes a high school.
- Loser (2002)
- Milkweed: A Novel (2003)
- Love, Stargirl (2007) – A follow-up to Stargirl.
- Eggs (2007)
- Smiles to Go (2008)
- Jake and Lily (2012)
- Third Grade Angels (2012)
- Hokey Pokey (2013)
- The Warden's Daughter (2017)
- Dead Wednesday (2021)
